Greetings! My name is Leslie Chapman and I teach second grade at Highland Primary. I have been with the Highland School District since 2010 and have had the privilege to teach Guided Reading, first grade, and second grade. My educational experience includes earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in Literacy Education in 2016, both from SIUE.When I’m not at school, I enjoy being outside and spending time with friends and family. Some of my favorite activities are going for a walk, grilling, sitting by a fire, and doing yard work. I also enjoy creating photo slide shows and watching movies. I look forward to seeing you in second grade!
Ms. Chapman's Classroom Handbook

Hi, my name is Ms. Kellerstrass and I teach second grade at Highland Primary School.  Since graduating from SIUE in 1995, I have earned my Master's Degree and gone on to earn my National Board Certification.

After graduating from SIUE, I substitute taught for a year and a half, taught the gifted program for half a year, and ever since then... I've been a second grade teacher! Teaching and learning are my true passions! 

Outside of school, I love it when I'm able to talk to and see my daughter who lives in Los Angeles, California.  I enjoy spending time with my two doggies and my two cats. I also have 3 frogs and an ugly looking pleco.  For relaxation, I enjoy hot tea, reading, woodworking, and caring for my 100+ houseplants.  

As my former students will tell you, I tend to get a little goofy sometimes - don't let that scare you - I just love to laugh and have fun!  
Ms. Kellerstrass's Classroom Handbook

Hello! My name is Sheila Laird. I began teaching in the Highland District in 1992. Initially, I taught sixth grade for one year at Alhambra and fourth grade for two years at Highland. After that, I started teaching second grade at Highland Primary and have remained in this grade level ever since. I hold a degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and a Master's in Education from Lindenwood University.  I live in New Baden with my husband, Kevin, where we raise beef cattle, chickens, and honey bees.  We have two grown children, Paige and Blake, and one grandson, River. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to auctions, and playing with my dog, Millie. I love teaching second grade because the students are always eager to learn! I particularly enjoy teaching science and hands-on STEM projects. I am looking forward to teaching your child this school year!
Mrs. Laird's Classroom Handbook

Hello! My name is Jill Sinnock.  I teach second grade at Highland Primary.  I graduated from McKendree College in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  I went on to receive my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from SIUE in 2001.  My teaching career began in 1996 at St. Mary’s School in Edwardsville.  After teaching second grade there for two years, I accepted a second grade teaching position in Highland (my hometown!).  I have been teaching in the Highland School District since 1998, and I couldn’t be happier!  I live in Highland with my husband, Wayne, my oldest son Matthew, and my youngest son, Andrew.  In my spare time, I enjoy baking, scrapbooking, and most of all, spending time with my family.
Mrs. Sinnock's Classroom Handbook

Hello! My name is Angie Smart. This will be my 9th year teaching 2nd grade at Highland Primary and my 18th year of teaching since I graduated from Iowa State University in 1992. My past teaching experiences have been in first, third and fourth grades as well as two years teaching Guided Reading and a year as a Title I Reading Teacher in Iowa.

My husband’s military career kept us moving around in the states and overseas, but since his retirement, we have lived in the Highland and Pocahontas area for 15 years. We have four boys, two of whom are adults and the other two are teenagers. Of course, I cannot forget our two cats—Howard and Lily.

During spare time, I enjoy being outside, staying active, and traveling with family and friends. I am also very fond of reading and the challenge of taking care of plants. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with you and your child!

Mrs. Smart's Classroom Handbook

Hi!  My name is Carol Smith.  I am a second grade teacher at Highland Primary.  I began teaching for the Highland Community School District in 2007 teaching first and second grade.  I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from SIU Edwardsville and have been teaching primary grades first, second, and third since 1987.  In 2006 I received a Reading Endorsement from McKendree University and in 2011 earned my Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from SIUE.  In 2018 I earned National Board Certification.  

My husband Steve and I both grew up in the Highland community and raised our two sons, Tyler and Matthew, here.   It is such an honor to teach in the community that I have been a lifelong resident of. 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and especially my granddaughters, Isla and Lela.  I also enjoy shopping, scrapbooking, and reading.  Teaching has been a passion for me since I began my career in 1987.   Each year I look forward to providing a positive learning experience for the children in my class.
Mrs. Smith's Classroom Handbook

Hello! My name is Kristin Potthast. I LOVE teaching at Highland Primary School! I have lived in the Highland area my entire life and it is an honor to be able to teach where I grew up! In 2005, I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. That same year, I began teaching at St. Paul Catholic School in Highland. After several years, I was fortunate to be hired in the Highland School District and taught at Alhambra Primary for four years before coming to Highland Primary in 2013. I have taught second grade, first grade and guided reading prior to teaching kindergarten for 12 years. I am very thankful for my experience in these areas because I believe they have helped me to grow as a teacher. In 2020, I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Greenville University as well. In 2024, I switched to second grade and I am thrilled to be teaching 2nd graders once again!

My husband, Jeff, and I live right outside of town with our four children. We have two boys, Deklyn & Dylen and two girls, Kendyl & Kambry. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family! We enjoy being outdoors and visiting new places. I am very fortunate to live in the Highland School District and I am blessed to have my children attend school here as well.

Mrs. Potthast's Classroom Handbook