Hello, my name is Natalie Rivas and I am beyond excited to be working with you / your child(ren) this year. I have been a part of the Adams 12 School District for the past 22 years. I know, I know, some of you probably just caught yourself glancing over at me, and then back at that number and thought to yourself that there is no way that she has been teaching for 22 years. If you were one of those individuals, you are correct. This will only be my 6th year teaching. I am an Adams 12 native in the mere fact that I too attended school in this five star district. My journey began at Tarver Elementary, continued on to Century Middle School, and resulted in me graduating from Horizon High School. I accepted a job at Cherry Drive Elementary School when I was 16, and worked as a B.A.S.E. leader until I began teaching in 2012. My first year of teaching was done at S.T.E.M. Launch as a reading interventionist, and once that school year ended I accepted a position here (at Rocky Top) as a full time Language Arts Teacher. Even though the past five years have been spent working with 7th graders, I am beyond excited to loop up with some of my students from last year, and explore the new, and rigorous 8th grade curriculum. 
When I am not teaching I love to go out and embrace Colorado for all of its worth. I am a huge fan of the outdoors and can be caught camping, fishing, and most importantly hiking. My favorite hike will have to be Hanging Lake right outside of Glenwood Springs. 
I also enjoy live music, so feel free to look for me at any concert that you may be attending - especially if it’s a country artist. I had the pleasure of being raised in a family of all boys so I can’t help but to love and support all of the Colorado Sports teams, yes, even my alma mater CU. I have also become a huge Colorado Mesa football fan, due to the fact that my youngest brother accepted a scholarship to go play out in Grand Junction! Although it is quite a haul, it is where I spend most of weekends in the fall. He is a Red-shirt senior this year, so this season is for all of the marbles! 
The last interesting fact about me is that I rescued an 11 week old German Shepard/Husky a little over three years ago. The past three years have brought many smiles to my face, and a warmth to my heart that can never be replaced. His name is Bentley, and you will probably hear many stories about him in the near future. 
Here’s to the 2017/2018 school year. I cannot wait to learn more about you and/or your child(ren)!
