My name is Mrs. Katie Dall-Winther, and I have taught for the Des Moines Public Schools since August 2001. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a double major in Elementary and Middle School. My endorsements were in reading and Middle School. I also received my Master’s Degree from Viterbo University with an emphasis in Literacy and Vocabulary instruction in 2005. My first 11 years of teaching were at the middle school level serving sixth through eighth grades teaching struggling readers through advanced readers. I was very pleased to join the Perkins Academy staff at the 5th grade level in August of 2012.

I enjoy cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, gardening, and spending my time with my family.

4th Grade

Laura graduated from Iowa state and has a masters degree from Morningside College. Laura and her husband, Steve live in Urbandale They have 4 adult children. In her free time, Laura enjoys playing golf, taking long walks, and following Iowa State athletics. She has taught multiple grade levels and has also been a reading and math interventionist. This is her 20th year with Des Moines public schools.

4th grade

Welcome to fifth grade. My name is Jennifer Trout and I think fifth graders are fabulous! I am a proud Panther from the University of Northern Iowa. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. In this classroom students are allowed time to explore their own theories about learning. “We choose how we learn.”  We encourage students to talk about strategies they find personally effective. Education should be useful so, I strive to have students actively engaged in real-world applications of the things they are learning.