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5th Grade

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Christina Bell
bellc@ritenourschools.org

Hello! I’m looking forward to my eighth year of teaching and my second year as a 5th-grade teacher at Wyland.  Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My passion for education and love for working with children has driven me to create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment. I am so excited for our school year together and have so many amazing things planned!

In my classroom, we don't just learn; we have fun and build strong, positive relationships. I believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience, and I strive to make my lessons energetic and interactive. My goal is to motivate my students to always do their best and to develop a lifelong love of learning.

I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. I also have my Reading Specialist Certification. Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and our three daughters, London 14,  Aubrey 8, and Jewel 3. We love going on outings and exploring new places together. I am excited to embark on this educational journey with my students and look forward to a fantastic year filled with growth, discovery, and lots of fun! 

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Jill Bluhm
bluhmj@ritenourschools.org

Hello!!!  My name is Jill Bluhm. I am very excited about starting my 11th year of teaching at Wyland!  This will be my eighth year teaching fifth grade and I am very excited about getting the year started.  Before becoming a fifth-grade teacher, I was a fourth-grade teacher at Wyland for three years.   

I absolutely love education and continue to improve my education.  I graduated in the Summer of 2020 with my Educational Specialist Degree with an emphasis in Mental Health Practices in Schools from Mizzou.  I also have my Master's Degree in Elementary Education which I received from Greenville College.  

My husband, Adam, and I have been married for 17 years.  Together, we have two amazing daughters. Hailey is 14, and starting high school this year. Natalie is 12, and going into 7th grade.  We also have a Golden Retriever/ Golden Doodle mix puppy, Archie, that we decided to adopt during quarantine in 2020.  He definitely keeps us entertained.  As a family, we enjoy trying new places and traveling the world.    

"Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." -Rita F. Pierson.  I hope to be your child's champion this year and for the years to come.  Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.  I look forward to working with you and your child to have a successful year!    

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.  I look forward to working with you and your child to have a successful year! 

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Scott Eickhoff
eickhoffs@ritenourschools.org

I will be entering my 12th year of teaching.  During that time, I have taught many different levels, from 2nd Grade to College Mathematics. I have also coached varsity sports such as football, track, and soccer. I am currently the Assistant Varsity Boys Soccer coach for the Ritenour Huskies. 

In my free time, I love to play sports and hang out with friends, and my dog, Duke. Anytime I have a chance to hit the outdoors and enjoy the wonderful trails we have in Missouri, I do. I really love watching the Cardinals and the Blues. Oh, don’t forget the best soccer club in the world, Liverpool!

Ogechi Okpara
okparao@ritenourschools.org

Hello! My name is Ms. Okpara, and I am excited to teach 5th grade at Wyland Elementary! I am a graduate of Fontbonne University, where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

I competed in track and field throughout my years in college. I enjoy traveling, watching movies with my family, and spending time with my dog, Archie. I look forward to working with my 5th graders and their families this school year!