Welcome to Mrs. Olsen’s "Simply Second" website page! 

“You are a good friend because you are kind to me.” “I notice that your artwork has alot of detail.” “I like it when we read together on the bean bag chairs.” “Thank-you for helping me clean up.” Upon entering the Second Grade  classroom you will have the pleasure of hearing the children compliment each other throughout their school day experience. It is a joy and honor to be a part of the Appleton Village School family as the Second and First Grade Math teacher. I truly enjoy teaching my young students the joy of learning through sign language, peer coaching, role modeling, hands-on activities, Everyday Math, physical movement (Brain Gym), sharing (Responsive Classroom), and Guided Discovery, but my greatest joy is helping them to build new friendships and become confident and kind community members. My goal is to create a positive, peaceful, nurturing and educational environment where my students look forward to coming to school everyday! 

I live in Rockport with my husband, Brad. My husband Brad is a Pilot for Solaris and he also has his doctorate in Physical Therapy. My daughter Hannah graduated from Simmons College in 2018 with a major in Neuroscience and she is married to my son-in-law, Adam. Hannah and Adam had their first baby in May, 2023.  Maddox Jay is my first granchild!  My daughter Grace graduated from USM in 2021 with a major in Environmental Policy and Planning and she is currently living in Portland. She works at Gotham High School and is the leader and facilitator for their ELO program.  My son Sawyer graduated from Camden Hills Regional High School in 2022 and he completed his freshman year at UMO and is majoring in Studio Art. As a family we enjoy skiing, visiting various beaches, hiking, watching movies on Friday nights, attending cookouts and most of all eating dinner together!

I enjoy starting my day with an early morning run with my running partners whether it may be rain, sleet, snow or sun! I enjoy playing tennis all year round and paddle boarding with my friends in the summer. I am an avid Patriots fan and LOVE to watch every game!! Currently at Appleton Village School I participate on the SAT team, Leadership Team,  Professsional Growth Plan Committee and I am a Peer Mentor.

I have been an educator for over 25 years teaching in private and public schools and I’ve had the honor of teaching preschool, first grade, second grade, fifth grade, college level classes, creating a sign language reading program, leading sign language and behavior workshops for educators and training students for the Special Olympics. My non-traditional teaching experiences have provided me with various skills which I enthusiastically utilize in all my classroom settings.

Second Grade Curriculum

ConnectEd