Meet Ms. Elsen
Ms. Elsen was born and raised in Minnesota. She attended St. Cloud State
University and received a b.s. in elementary education (k-8) with a science minor.
she continued her education at the university of Cincinnati where she received a
m.a. in curriculum and instruction, stem emphasis. she spent 7 years teaching in
the minnesota cold before moving down to florida.
Ms. Elsen has been teaching at SLA since 2023. her classroom mission is to create
an environment where students feel safe and supported to be their authentic selves. She strives to help students take risks and learn from their mistakes.
Ms. Elsen's family has also enjoys the florida sunshine.
Her parents have a condo in estero and snowbird, while her brother lives and
works in fort myers with his girlfriend, kelli, and corgi, ryder.
outside of school, you can find ms. elsen cuddled up with her dogs, luna and
percy, at the beach, doing puzzles, reading, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen.
She is a Green bay packers fan and loves watching her student
athletes compete.
Physical Science 8
all work and classroom information can be found on google classroom
topics discussed in physical science 8:
Nature of science
energy, force, and motion
light energy
thermal energy
transforming energy
properties of matter
structure of matter
chemical changes
honors Physical Science 8
all work and classroom information can be found on google classroom
topics discussed in Honors physical science 8:
Nature of science
motion
force
electromagnetism
energy
behavior of matter
understanding atoms
introducing the periodic table
chemical bonding
chemical reactions
water and solutions
Online Textbook-Coming Soon!
honors life science 7
all work and classroom information can be found on google classroom
topics discussed in honors life science 7:
nature of science
cells
organizing life
human body
heredity and reproduction
infectious agents
ecology
evolutionary theory
energy and life
school supplies
7th Grade
Individual folder or binder for Math, Science & Civics.
BINDER FOR LA
Composition Book (for Ms. Elsen’s science class only)
TI-30Xa (Texas Instruments) Calculator
Loose leaf paper #2 pencils
Eraser or pencil cap erasers Highlighters
Expo Markers Black Sharpie Marker
Colored Pencils Glue Stick
3 x 5 Lined Index Cards White-out
Webster’s Paperback Dictionary and Thesaurus
Earbuds/Headphones
8th grade
individual folder for science & history
individual composition notebook for science & history
individual 1" binder for ela & math
TI-30Xa (texas instrument) calculator
1 pack of binder dividers loose leaf paper
#2 pencils pens (student choice)
eraser or pencil cap erasers highlighters
ruler colored pencils
glue stick
Contact me
email: melissa.elsen@sarasotacountyschools.net
communication through the teacher ease platform is preferred. responses to student and family contact will
occur outside of instructional time and may not be immediate. if there is an urgent concern, please contact the sla
front office at 941-485-5551. communication occurring outside of school hours will be responded to during the next
school day.