5th Grade Classrooms
Kristyn Griesbach
griesbachk@ritenourschools.org
Hello! My name is Kristyn Griesbach and this is my 4th year teaching and my first at Buder Elementary. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and my Master's in Elementary Education from Truman State University. I grew up in Iowa but I fell in love with St. Louis and made the move here in 2018. Together with my fiance we have two cats, Dinah and Chaya, and a rescue dog Dani. I love traveling around the world and learning new things- I've been to 11 countries but hope to keep adding more. I love reading on a rainy day, camping, raising Monarch caterpillars/butterflies, snuggling up with my animals on the couch, and watching Disney or Harry Potter. I'm so excited to meet my students and have a great year at Buder!
Karen Perry
perryk@ritenourschools.org
My name is Mrs. Karen Perry and I am so excited to meet my new 5th grade students. This will be my 13th year of teaching at Buder and 27th year of teaching.
I have a husband and 2 daughters, Molly is starting 6th grade and Lucy is starting 4th grade. We have 2 crazy dogs, 2 goofy hamsters and a few fish. In my spare time, I love to read (alone and with my girls), work on craft projects and watch St. Louis Blues hockey.
Although this year is bringing along some challenges, we will face them together and achieve great things!
Kelsey Swaggart
swaggartk@ritenourschools.org
My name is Kelsey Swaggart, and I can't wait to meet my new students! I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Mizzou, a Master's Degree in Trauma-Informed Education from Columbia College, SC, and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from WGU. I have previously taught 5th, 4th, and 3rd grades. This is my 6th year teaching. I was born in China, adopted, and raised in KC with my 5 siblings. I met my husband at Mizzou. After graduating and teaching for one year in KC I moved to STL to be with my husband. He and I have two cats Chip and Guac. In my free time, I enjoy working out, watching TV, crafting, and playing computer games.