Administration

Phone: 719-382-1460

Email: mcanon@ffc8.org

This is my tenth year partnering with Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 to continue academic excellence, citizenship, and leadership and seventeenth year in education.  It is an honor to serve Patriot Elementary and our community as the school principal.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Master in Leadership from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.  Prior to my educational experience, I worked in the private sector as a corporate trainer/education consultant.

My husband and I have been married for twenty-eight years and we are both originally from Texas.  We love Texas A&M football (Whoop!). After we married, we moved to Phoenix, Arizona for eight years, followed by a move back to Texas.  The last seventeen years have been spent in Colorado Springs, and my family truly loves the beauty this great state has to offer.  We have three adult children:  Cade (graduate from CU Boulder), Christian (Colorado graduate from School of Mines, Army ROTC), and Chloe (senior at University of Arizona).  As a family, we love to play tennis and pickleball, run, hike, eat Bluebell ice cream, and have family movie nights. 

Patriot Elementary is committed to excellence for each and every student and we strive to always do what is best for students.  Our guiding principles command academic excellence, professional excellence, a commitment to an individual's social and emotional wellness, and a community partnership with all major stakeholders - parents and the Fort Carson community.

It is a true honor to be a part of this wonderful school community and I look forward to partnering with our Patriot families.  If you ever need anything or have questions, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Patriot’s Vision – Why We Exist

For every student to become an active participant in their learning through critical thinking and self-advocacy to reach or exceed their academic, social-emotional capacity within a safe, engaging, and collaborative community.

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I am thrilled to serve as one of the Assistant Principals of Patriot Elementary and am excited to meet each of you as we begin another year together. My name is Kathrin Polyefko and this is my eleventh year with Fountain/Fort Carson School District 8. I have worked at Patriot for the past 11 years as a first grade teacher, English language teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal.

I am a German native and travel to visit family and friends often. I completed my undergraduate teaching degree at the Otto-Friedrich University in Bamberg, Germany. I also have a Master in Teaching Students of Other Languages (TESOL) from Grand Canyon University and a Master in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

When I am not at school, I love spending time at home with my husband and three children. I am a proud mom of a college student, high schooler, and middle schooler this year. We love traveling and exploring the Colorado outdoors. My husband was stationed at Ft Carson many years ago and we have loved Colorado ever since.

At Patriot, we believe that it takes a village to raise a child. Teachers, parents, students, and administration must work together as one, with an open mind and commitment to communicating the needs of our students. I hope to see you at Patriot soon!

A new school year is upon us. What fun to be at Patriot and join in celebrating its 20 years of ROARING success! I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to serve the students, staff, families and community members of Patriot. It’s such a gift to be a Lion!

My journey as an educator began over 25 years ago. I have taught students pre-K through 6th grade as a grade level classroom teacher and interventionist. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk) and a Masters degree in Elementary Education from Colorado College. In 2016 I went back to school to study Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Denver and received my administrative license. 

My husband, Sean, and I have been married for 25 years. We moved here from the west coast with the intention of only staying a handful of years. Over two decades later we are a family of six and call Colorado home. When we're not traveling, spending time in the mountains is our family’s absolute favorite. We all love to camp and snow ski. Some of us are runners and hikers while others of us are rock climbers. When we are not playing in the mountains we enjoy being home playing games, putting together puzzles, and simply hanging out in our backyard. My son, Henry, will be a sophomore at Colorado College this year. My three daughters, Olivia (12th grade), Margaret (9th grade) and Evelyn (7th grade), will attend school at Palmer High School and North Middle School in Colorado Springs School District 11. All four of them keep life full.

I’m looking forward to learning alongside the students, staff, families and community members of Patriot this year. This is a place full of meaningful traditions, exceptional stories and committed learners. Cheers to 20 years!

My name is Alicia Klinker, and I am the school counselor here at Patriot. This will be my 5th year being a part of the Patriot Elementary community.  I have a Bachelor's degree in both Psychology and Women’s and Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. I also have my master’s in Counseling from University of Colorado Colorado Springs and recently completed my LPC. 

I was born and raised in Colorado Springs and love being able to call it home. My husband, daughter, and I love the Avalanche, Broncos, Supercross, Formula 1 racing, and traveling as often as we can. We spend a lot of time outdoors, going to the zoo, reading, and watching movies as a family. I also recently rediscovered my love of reading and love getting lost in a good book!

I truly enjoy partnering with and supporting Patriot Elementary students and families and strive to improve the counseling program each year. If you ever need anything or have questions, please do not hesitate to ask. 

My name is Angela Montuori, and I am the Instructional Coach at Patriot Elementary School. This is my ninth year at Patriot, and I couldn’t be happier! 

I started working at Patriot as a 3^rd grade teacher. After six years I moved to Kindergarten for two years. My goal has always been to become an Instructional Coach! As a coach I partner with teachers to support the students in their classrooms. When teachers are supported, our students are supported, and that impact is invaluable. I am so happy to be a part of that.

I am also here to support families in our community. I am not personally connected to the military, but have had the pleasure of serving military families for the last nine years. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you and your family. I’d be honored to have the opportunity. 

I’m excited to get to know everyone and start this new school year. Thank you for supporting our school, teachers, and students. It’s going to be a great year!

For over twenty-five years, I have been an educator, with the last seven years serving as a school psychologist. I also have Master’s level training and experience in Art Therapy. Combining all these skills, those of a teacher, of a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and of an Art Therapist, I am able to assist children to address and resolve whatever concerns that they may present. My sincere hope is that I am able to equip young people to recognize their innate strengths and giftings early on in their lives so that they can pursue their own kind of greatness. Although I have worked in every kind of school setting feasible, working in a school that is housed on a military base is my absolute favorite. As a former military kid, myself, I have a special affinity for children whose parents serve. I consider it an incredible honor and privilege to serve those who also serve.

Most recently, my husband and I moved from St. Joseph, Missouri, which is just north of Kansas City. However, I was born in California, and as is true with most military families, I have lived multiple places, including overseas. My favorite place, though, is beautiful Colorado, having been in love with the Rocky’s for decades. I consider it a great blessing to be able to look out my backdoor window and gaze upon the Pikes Peak, which inspired the penning of America the Beautiful, and specifically Purple Mountain Majesty. While at home, besides relishing the scenery and chatting with my husband of thirty years, I enjoy doing art, reading and creative writing projects. Eventually, I intend to publish a fantasy-fiction series for youth. I also enjoy playing with our Shiba Inu or petting one of our two Bengal cats. However, I enjoy my free time most when our son from Omaha comes to visit with our lovely, fun-spirited granddaughter. Grandkids are the absolute best!!