CSS College Counselor Katrina Tijerina is hosting a virtual Q&A panel on Wednesday, April 22, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Students and families are invited. Joining Ms. Tijerina on the Zoom panel will be college counselors from The University of Alabama, Baylor University, Bucknell University, CSU - Fort Collins, Denison University, and The University of Southern California. They will answer questions about the college search and admissions process. Questions may be submitted during the panel or ahead of time by emailing Ms. Tijerina at [email protected].

What is your role at CSS?

I am a first grade teacher.

What is one thing you've learned from students? I've learned tons of things from my students, but the most important thing is to slow down and listen. Kids have great ideas and think in ways adults rarely consider, so there's a lot you can learn from them if you do.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? I would have super speed. That way, I'd be able to work with my first graders even more each day!

What is one thing you've learned from students? I've learned that goosebump moments aren't restricted to professional recordings, performances, or paintings. Our CSS musicians, actors, and artists create some incredible moments that touch my heart and inspire me to be better at what I do. Our students create moments that will raise the hair on your arms, cause you to believe that they actually are the character they are  portraying, or help you to experience colors (or other visuals) in a whole new way.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? I am a HUGE fan of the superheroes that have gadgets like Batman or the Green Arrow. Give me a utility belt full of cool devices or some arrows with a sweet bow, then add a neat costume, and I would be good to go! If I had to choose a superpower, I would love to have Spiderman's ability to stick to things, paired with his super strength!

What is one thing you enjoy about CSS? I love how we think outside of the box and encourage risk-taking while exploring the possibilities of experiential education within every discipline.

What did you want to be growing up? I don't know that I ever decided that I officially wanted to be a cowboy or the character from a favorite TV show - although I'm sure there are pictures and stories somewhere that suggest otherwise - but I always did want to follow my mom and dad around and learn how to do things that interested them. At one time my dad was a carpenter, and I would build things in the garage using his tools and scraps of wood. I would also go out on jobs and help him paint or do various other tasks. I did the same with my mom, following her around the kitchen and wanting to help her bake or visiting her at work when she was an RN in the ICU at the hospital. I wanted to be like them!

What is a favorite memory at CSS? I met my wife, Stacy, at the school, and we worked together for several years, so getting married at CSS was an amazing experience. The ceremony was outside on the Terrace of the Trianon in late October 2014. It was a beautiful 80-degree day with Colorado blue skies and the fall colors all around us. I remember looking over near the entrance to the gym and seeing two of my Upper School Band students watching our ceremony. There were regional volleyball games going on in the Field House that weekend, so our girls team ran out to give us hugs in-between games. I also remember a team from another school sitting under a tree on the quad, and cheering for us when the pastor finally said "you may now kiss the bride." Such a magical moment at CSS!

The CSS Gear Swap will be a great opportunity to exchange slightly worn, outgrown gear and dress clothes! The Gear Swap is in the planning stages and coordinated by parent volunteers. 

 

Stay tuned for a list of acceptable items and when collections may occur based on campus re-opening. For more information, email Merrisue Baldwin at  [email protected] or Kristin Penn at  [email protected]