Abby Boruff
Abilyn.boruff@dmschools.org
Stephanie Hubka
Stephanie.hubka@dmschools.org
Michelle Wheeler
michelle.wheeler@dmschools.org
Jennifer Jones
jennifer.jones@dmschools.org
Jeff Kerns
jeffrey.kerns@dmschools.org
Barb Leise
barbara.leise@dmschools.org
Hello! My name is Stephanie Hubka and I have been at the Downtown School since 2015. I have the great privilege of working with students in the 5, 6, and 7 year old learning groups. I received my degree in elementary education from Simpson College with endorsements in early childhood education and reading.
When I am not teaching, I love hanging out with my family and friends doing anything outside. I love watching the Iowa Hawkeyes especially during football season. If there is a game on of any kind, I am probably watching it. During the warmer months, I enjoy being out on the golf course trying to fine tune my golf game which is easier said than done!
I look forward to meeting you and working with your child. It will be a great year!
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Hello! My name is Jennifer Jones. I have been teaching at the Downtown school for 8 years. In 2005, I graduated from Grand View University with a degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in reading. After graduating, I subbed for 2 years, until I found my dream job as a kindergarten/first grade teacher at the Downtown School!
I live on a farm in Bondurant with my husband, Clint and our three children, Zoey, Cooper and Otto. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with our families.
I love working with children and seeing them grow! I am a firm believer that students learn more by doing and teaching others. ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’ – Benjamin Franklin
Hi! I am Jeff Kerns. I have been teaching at the Downtown School since 2007. I have a Bachelor in Elementary Education from Grand View College and a Master’s degree in Effective Teaching and Learning from Drake University. I love spending time with my family. My wife and I have three children and seven grandchildren. I believe in giving back to the community. This is why educating children is a passion of mine. I also love to serve others that are less fortunate by participating in mission trips. Other hobbies of mine include collecting license plates and rocks, especially geodes.
Hello! My name is Barb Leise and I teach 5, 6, and 7 year old children at the Downtown School. I’ve been at this school since 1998. I’ve been teaching kindergarten, first grade or second grade since 1988. I love my job. Teaching is my passion.I believe in the research based practices and individualized instruction that is supported at the Downtown School. I feel fortunate to be here. I attended Iowa State University for my undergraduate degree and Drake University for my master’s. I am married and we have a chubby cat at home. I have 6 nieces and nephews who live in town. We are fortunate to get to be a close part of their lives.
Hello! Welcome to our 5 & 6 year old classroom!
I grew up in Western Iowa, in the small town of Pisgah. My elementary and early childhood education degrees are from the University of Iowa — Go Hawkeyes! In addition, I am a trained Reading Recovery Teacher and have my Master’s Degree as a K-12 Reading Specialist from Viterbo University. I have taught in Des Moines for over 20 years. My husband Kris and I have three teenagers; Evan at Iowa State, Sarah at Drake and Quinn at Waukee High School. Our family loves the Iowa and Chicago Cubs, my husband’s cooking, and reading. I am excited to join the Downtown School and am looking forward to a wonderful school year!
In 2011, I graduated from Upper Iowa University with a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Language Arts. I have been teaching at the Downtown School since 2013. In December of this year, I will graduate with a master’s in education from Drake University. I live on our family farm just outside of Carlisle with my husband Scott and our 6 children: 2 are in college, one is in the Air Force, one is in tech school and two still live at home. I love teaching and learning. I find them both very exciting. I hope my excitement and passion for learning carry over into our classroom. I am very excited to get to know you and your child.
