Grade 2

Welcome to Second Grade!

My name is Mrs. Dawes.  I am so excited to be working with you and your child this year.  I graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  I played collegiate softball and was the captain as well.  I also just graduated with my Reading Specialists Masters from Georgian Court University.

My classroom philosophy revolves around educating the whole child.  In order for a child to be successful, both their academic and social emotional needs must be met.  Students should feel safe, happy, and comfortable coming to school to learn each and every day.  I am so excited to see what the future holds for this school year!

When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family and be outdoors.  I love any and all sports, going to the beach, and cooking.  We are going to have a great year!

If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out at cdawes@mendhamtwp.org.

Hello! My name is Mrs. Theresa Milow and I teach second grade at MTES. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Stockton College and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Monmouth University. I have been teaching at Mendham Township Elementary School since 2001. I have taught second, third, and fourth grades.

I live nearby in Morristown and enjoy spending time with my family. Mr. Milow and I have two great kids, both in highschool. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time outside.

It is a pleasure watching children grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year. In my classroom I try to foster a love of learning, a willingness to take risks and make mistakes, a positive growth mindset, and the importance of practicing the Golden Rule (treating others the way you would like to be treated).

Welcome to 2nd grade, I am so excited to meet you all and have an amazing year! My name is Miss. Renzetti and I will be co-teaching with Mrs. Milow in the Giraffe Room. 

I’m a proud graduate of West Morris Mendham High School and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University in 2022. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Equity and Social Justice in Education at Boston University. I began my teaching journey in Boston Public Schools, where I’ve spent the past three years in co-taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms as both a general education and MLL (Multilingual Learner) teacher. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a deep belief that all students are capable of incredible growth and that learning should be meaningful, joyful, and inclusive for all children. 

Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family and friends, trying new foods, reading, and going to the beach. I also love staying active by training for marathons, teaching yoga classes, and going on long walks with my dog, Holly! 

I can’t wait to get to know each of you and begin building our classroom community together! Please feel free to reach out at any time at nrenzetti@mendhamtwp.org. 

Welcome to Room 206! My name is Mr. Kevin O’Keefe. This is my 14th year at MTES and my 12th year teaching 2nd grade. I’ve taught elementary school in North Jersey for 19 years after a twenty year career as a Prudential Insurance agent.

 My goal is simple for your child- to appreciate and love learning for its own sake. With your help, we will set up specific goals and plans for your son or daughter. I will stay in touch with you throughout the school year to make sure your child’s self esteem is sky high. My hope is that every student in 206 takes charge of their own learning and begins to see school as something that is not only fun and engaging, but productive and life changing. It’s a mindset, but I will try to instill in your child that 2nd grade is just the beginning of a lifetime journey that celebrates literacy, problem solving and critical thinking. 

I grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY and went to Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT from 1980-1984. This is where I met my wife Lisa and we have been happily married now for 38 years.

We have lived in Allendale NJ for the last 32 years. We have two children. Our son Ryan, 33, is living in Philadelphia with his wife Eileen and our first granddaughter, Hazel. He is a physician at the University Of Pennsylvania Hospital. Our daughter Lauren, 29, is a nurse practitioner and is living in Long Island City with her new husband Matt.

In addition to my undergraduate degree from Fairfield University, I also have a masters degree in teaching instruction from the College of New Jersey.

Please reach out to me anytime at kokeefe@mendhamtwp.org 

Welcome to Mrs. Pieper's Second Grade Classroom: The Super Stars!

My name is Darlyne Pieper and I am delighted to be your child's second grade teacher. I am looking forward to our fabulous year ahead, as well as our working together as a team.

I am confident we will have a wonderful year. The second grade curriculum is a lot of fun. We will be learning to think while we read, write and publish more exciting stories, add and subtract three-digit numbers, and so much more!! We will study ourselves, our community, and other places across the United States. We will learn about materials, water, plants, and animals. We also will be reading many wonderful books and creating fun projects. You will be proud to see how much your child has accomplished by the end of the school year in June.

I love teaching second grade! The children are at the age where they are excited to learn new things, to explore the world around them, and to embrace new ideas. I strongly believe a child doesn't care how much you know until he/she knows how much you care. I care very much about your child, and his/her success as a student and as a person. I look forward to forging a partnership with you to ensure that your child knows he/she is cared for very much.

A little about me… I grew up the daughter of an Air Force pilot, living and traveling around the world. I earned a BA from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from George Washington University. I hold a NJ Teaching Certification K-6 and have been teaching elementary school since 2001. My husband and I live in Basking Ridge where we raised our two sons. We will just bookmark that subject for now. I am sure your child will share some stories over the course of the year.

I look forward to getting to know you and working together this school year!