Project Description
Shane Knight
Principal, Knapp Elementary
Denver, Colorado
Fellow
In 1997 Shane Knight began his career serving students in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where he taught students with Special Needs. Since then he has taught in Texas, California and Missouri and has led traditional public schools and charter schools in Kansas, Missouri and Colorado. In 2013, Shane assumed leadership of Knapp Elementary School in southwest Denver where he has worked with his team to develop a strong community commitment to biliteracy. As a result of their hard work and commitment, Knapp’s students have year-after-year experienced exceptionally strong academic growth and have had the highest levels of Spanish literacy achievement in the state.
At Knapp Elementary, Shane and his team’s approach with students is best captured in a quote by Haim Ginott: “To reach a child’s mind one must first capture his heart; only if he feels right can he think right.” When we ensure students know that they are well cared for, we see them develop the social, emotional and academic skills they will need to live well-fulfilled lives as they mature.
Shane enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife, son and daughter. When not working they spend all their available time on the soccer field, scorching mountain bike trails or skiing and snowboarding in Colorado’s wondrous mountains.
Nicole Grommeck
Assistant Principal, Knapp Elementary
Denver, Colorado
ALLY
After graduating from Colorado State University where she studied Social Work and Human Development, Nicole Grommeck served as the Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Larimer County, Colorado and Bellingham, Washington where she worked to ensure members had a safe and fun place to grow and thrive. Appreciating the positive impact, she had in this role, she recognized that she could have a greater influence in the lives of children as a teacher. She returned to school at the University of Colorado, Denver where she earned her Master’s in Education, allowing her to begin her new career as a 2nd and 5th grade teacher at Knapp Elementary. Jumping at the opportunity to expand her influence in the school’s success, Nicole shifted her role from the classroom to supporting teachers as an instructional coach. She quickly found a passion for service as a school leader so she pursued and completed a Principal licensure program at the University of Colorado. Since 2015 she has served as the Assistant Principal at Knapp Elementary.
Nicole believes strongly in supporting the whole child. She knows that when students believe they are valued and cared for they will work hard to develop to their full potential. Nicole consistently supports teachers, students and families in helping develop and maintain a school culture where students have a safe and fun place to grow, learn, and thrive socially, emotionally and academically.
Nicole is married with two children. They enjoy spending time in the mountains; camping, hiking, and skiing.