Welcome to 2nd Grade!

This is Alison Ritten's second year teaching 2nd grade at John A. Johnson as well as her second year with St. Paul Public Schools. Ms. Ritten herself is a proud graduate of Minneapolis Public Schools and worked in Minneapolis prior to coming to JAJ. Ms. Ritten earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Minnesota; one in Elementary Education and the other in Asian Languages & Literature. She is licensed to teach grades kindergarten through 6th in Minnesota.

Outside of school Ms. Ritten enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves music and enjoys playing her bass clarinet in a community band, something she has done since she graduated from high school. Ms. Ritten likes reading mystery novels and practicing her conversational Japanese when she can. She also loves riding her bike around the Twin Cities when the weather allows and feels lucky to live in a place where there are so many beautiful parks and lakes.

Ms. Ritten grew up in South Minneapolis but also lived in St. Paul for 2 years during her time at the University of Minnesota. She has moved back to Minneapolis, but enjoys staying connected to St. Paul through the schools. Ms. Ritten loves the diversity and sense of community the Twin Cities offer. Although she thinks she will always live in the Twin Cities, Ms. Ritten has traveled to Japan and hopes to make it back to Asia some day.

As a returning staff member at JAJ this year, Ms. Ritten continues to be impressed with the staff, students and the welcoming community they create. She thinks it is wonderful to see students and their family members on a daily basis, and to witness the sense of a strong neighborhood community that is very present here at Johnson.  Additionally, Ms. Ritten loves the way people in the JAJ community are very eager and willing to help one another out for the good of all students. Ms. Ritten is excited to be here at JAJ this school year and enjoys working and learning with 2nd graders!

Please feel free to contact Alison Ritten at 651-793-7300

2nd Grade Schedule

8:20-8:45        Breakfast to go

8:45-9:00        Morning Meeting

9:00-10:00      Math

10:00-11:00    Reader's Workshop

11:00-11:55    Writer's Workshop 

11:50-12:20    Skills/Phonics

12:20-12:50     LUNCH

12:50- 1:10      Recess 

1:15- 2:05        Content

2:05- 2:55        Specialist (Science or Technology)

2:55- 3:00        Dismissal