My name is Sara Kennedy Sandhoff, and I have been serving Des Moines Public Schools for over 20 years. This is my eleventh year at Jefferson, and I am currently serving in the role of Instructional Coach. Throughout my teaching career I have been a classroom teacher in grades kindergarten through fifth grade,  a Reading Recovery teacher, and an academic interventionist.  I received both my Bachelor’s in Education and my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University. During my time away from school I enjoy watching my two children play soccer, trying out new recipes, reading, and spending time with my family. Here’s to a great year at Jefferson Elementary!

Hello Jefferson Jets! My name is Sylvia Welchans. I have been a DMPS educator for over twenty years. I am super excited to be a part of the Jefferson community, supporting student learning as an instructional coach. Outside of teaching I enjoy reading, playing tennis, traveling to new places, listening to live music, and spending time with my amazing friends and family. I look forward to getting to know you all.