Hi! My name is Lisa Arcand and I am one of the Pre-Kindergarten teachers for Riverview Elementary School. I have been teaching in St. Paul since 1993 and joined the fabulous staff at Riverview Elementary in 2019.  I taught kindergarten for 18 years and first grade for 8 years before settling into Pre-k. I have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Concordia and a Masters Degree from Hamline University with a focus on phonological awareness in young children. 

When I’m not teaching, I love to go on adventures -whether that’s through travel or hikes in nearby woods or state parks. I also love to do various crafts and work with my hands - I don’t mind getting messy! My husband and I live in Roseville. We are very fortunate to have our family (children, grandchildren, siblings and father) live nearby. 

I love the Westside! I began my teaching career at this very same school when it was called Roosevelt Elementary. I’m very glad to be back!

A typical schedule:

Ease into the day:  This consists of greeting the children as they arrive, teaching independent self-help skills of taking off coats, and hanging up backpacks, writing their names, and listening to stories.

Movement:  This is large motor skill development outside at the playground when the weather is nice or indoors through music when the weather is bad.

Learning Circle: They sing songs, participate in learning activities and listen to the story of the week.

Small Groups:  Depending on their learning needs children are divided into groups of 5-6 and practice pre reading and math skills.

Active Learning: The children have extended time to explore the different learning centers while teachers enter into their play to help them learn important vocabulary, concepts and skills.

Regroup to revisit:  We review lessons taught but this time in English.