Phone: 651-293-8770

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

I graduated from Aquinas High School, then attended UW- LaCrosse, and Valley City State University in North Dakota. At VCSU, I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with minors in Early Childhood and Reading. I earned my Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Ms. Apel-Christianson

Hello! I'm Lisa Apel-Christianson and I'm happy to be teaching 1st grade at our awesome IB/PYP school! I believe in working closely with families and staff to provide students with a well-rounded educational experience. It's very powerful when we all work together to help our children build on their individual successes. On that note, please feel free to let me know if there is something that your child is going through that may affect them at school. I am happy to give some extra attention and TLC to support them. Each child is so different in so many ways, and they all make gains at different speeds and levels. I try hard to encourage children to accept themselves and celebrate their growth. 

I have taught several grade levels in my career, but the majority of my time at HPE has been in 1st grade. I'm excited about teaching our 6 Units of Inquiry. Please check out the titles and central ideas of what we will be learning about this school year.  First grade is a very important grade for learning how they each learn to learn best. We do this by asking questions and searching to find the answers to those questions.  Asking questions is a motivating and empowering part of IB learning. "Taking action" to make something better is also encouraged and is a vital part of IB/PYP. I absolutely LOVE how young people learn how each and every person has the power to make a big difference in this world. Young children CAN and DO things that make a positive difference. 

A Little About Me: My husband's name is Tom and we have two daughters, Gretchen and Annalena. We also have a puppy named Penny. An interesting fact about my family, is that my mother's parents emigrated from Germany. My mother met my father on a trip back to Germany after her college graduation. My father then emigrated to the USA and they got married.

I love to learn and read, and my goal is to help children unlock the mystery and excitement of learning. I strive to inspire all of my students to become good readers and enjoy reading, so that they are able to learn about the world around them. Becoming a good reader is imperative for success in all other subject areas. This is why we stress that students read each day. 

I look forward to a wonderful new school year together!  First grade is an amazing year in a child's life! I'm excited and grateful to be part of it! I look forward to partnering with you and your child. Please email or call if you have any questions or concerns about how I can best support your child this school year.