My name is Kate Arbogast and I am so excited to be returning to Graham Hill for my fourth year working with kindergarten scholars and this incredible community. I always dreamed of working at school full of people with whom I share a vision and values... I truly feel like I have found it here.

I have taught for seven years and graduated with my Masters Degree from the Seattle Teacher Residency in 2016. I was born and raised in Eugene Oregon (GO DUCKS) and got my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound in 2013.

I love: watching and playing sports, hiking, camping, backpacking, reading, baking, spending time with family and playing with my dog, Remy.

2022-23 school schedule:

• Monday: Cascadia Elementary
• Tuesday: Arbor Heights Elementary
• Wednesday: Lowell Elementary
• Thursday AM: Dearborn Park International School
• Thursday PM: Graham Hill Elementary
• Friday AM: Southshore PreK-8
• Friday PM: Rainier View Elementary

I am so excited for my second year as a Special Education teacher in the Distinct program at Graham Hill! I have been a Blue Whale for 6 years, previously I was the school’s occupational therapist. I am passionate about student’s having opportunities to experience productive struggle, have their voices heard, and let them be the drivers of their education. In my free time you’ll find me at Seward Park walking with a book or running to music.

Hello Graham Hill Community! This is my fourth year teaching 5th grade and I am excited to return for another school year. I am passionate about student progress and preparing students for the next level of education. I enjoy spending time with my kids, playing/watching sports and gardening. Thank you to the whole community for the work you have done on the pathway for our students' success!

Hello, my name is JK Burwell and the students call me Ms. Burwell. This is my ninth year at Graham Hill as your Teacher-Librarian. Before I became a Teacher-Librarian, I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. I am also the Teacher-Librarian for John Muir Elementary. This year you can find me at GH in the morning and JM in the afternoon.

I am married and have three grown children. When I’m not at school, you’ll find me traveling, cooking, reading, and watching hummingbirds on my deck!

I am so excited for the 2022-2023 school year. This is my 3rd year teaching at Graham Hill Elementary and my 9th year working for Seattle Public Schools. I LOVE being a part of such a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community. I feel so lucky to get to teach and learn from my amazing students! Helping students build their self-confidence and discover their unique talents and abilities is my passion.

I was born in Seattle and have lived in the Seattle area most of my life. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my toddler, hiking, writing, and playing board games.

My name is Dustin Cole and I have been teaching young scholars with moderate to severe learning disabilities for over ten years.  I am deeply passionate about advocating for the needs of my students and providing meaningful, inclusive opportunities for them to participate with their peers in the general education setting.  I understand that many parents are still learning to understand special education services and the IEP process.  My goal is to have supportive relationships with families and help them to be stronger advocates for their child.

I was born and raised in western Washington and received my undergrad at Evergreen State College (Go Geoducks!).  I moved to Washington, DC where I lived for eight years.  In 2010, I moved to San Francisco and received my masters and teaching credential in moderate to severe special education at San Francisco State University.  I moved back to Seattle in 2015 and live in the South Park neighborhood.

I feel extremely proud to be a Graham Hill Blue Whale and absolutely LOVE our school community! This will be my 3rd year at GH and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of a staff that is incredibly student & family centered, dedicated & hard-working, equity driven, and absolutely beautiful people who work as a cohesive team!

I was born and raised on the island of Kauai and feel blessed to still carry the Aloha spirit and Hawaiian culture with me wherever I go.  I have two amazing children, Brady (8) and Bryn (3), and love to spend my free time being a mom!

Hello, my name is Sarah Dietz.  I have been teaching second grade at Graham Hill for 8 years.  Prior to that, my own two children attended Graham Hill.  I’ve been a part of this community for 17 years!  What I love about this amazing community is that we care for each other and look out for one another.

When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my family, being in my garden and exploring the Northwest with my husband.  You may see me eating out in Columbia City or walking at Seward Park.

Biography

I’m excited to be teaching kindergarten! Upon receiving a Master in Teaching from Seattle University, I started my career in Northshore School District in 2010 and made the exciting jump to Seattle Public School in 2018-19 school year. I love working at Graham Hill and am the parent of Penny, a Graham Hill 2nd Grader and Jude, downstairs at Kids Co. PreK! We have a big orange cat named Bert, and a Golden Retriever named Dolly . I’m thrilled to live so close to Graham Hill in the Rainier Beach neighborhood and look forward to seeing you and your family around.

,Personal Message

I would like to welcome our new kindergartners to Graham Hill Elementary! I am so excited that you are here.

I’m grateful to be starting my 2nd year at Graham Hill and my 10th year working in Seattle Public Schools.  This year you will find me working in the office in the mornings.  Previously, I worked as a Special Education Instructional Assistant in our Distinct program at Graham.  Prior to that, I taught Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten for 8 years at South Shore PK-8.  I love teaching and am blessed to work with people and scholars who inspire and challenge me everyday.

I was born and raised on the north side of O’ahu, Hawai’i and I’m proud to be Hawaiian, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese. I live in Hillman City with my husband, Stew, and my goofy goldendoodle, Kekoa. We love walks through Kubota Garden, watching the cutest puppies through Rover (sometimes up to 4 dogs!), competing in Ticket to Ride, and spending as much time with all the new babies in our life.