Hi there!  My name is Nicole Stratman and I will be teaching 1st grade this year. :) I just graduated from WGU in May 2021 with my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.  Although this is my first year teaching, I student taught here at Ray (and in 1st grade) and subbed during the 2020-21 school year!  I am so excited to continue to work and grow with the staff and students at Ray.  So...you're probably wondering "who is Mrs. Stratman"...I am not originally from Texas but man do I LOVE it here.  My husband (my high school sweet heart) and I moved here 7 years ago and have been in Hutto for 5 years. (GO HIPPOS) We have 3 boys that all attend Ray, so I definitely call Ray Elementary home.  I love taking adventures with my family and hope to one day start taking road trips around our country to show and teach my boys about American history.  I also love to craft, sew, bake and DIY home improvement projects.  I plan on incorporating my love of crafts into instruction in my classroom.  I feel that fun, engaging and hands on activities not only make the lesson exciting but it helps the student to retain the information being taught.  I look forward to this school year and cannot wait to see all the fabulous fun and learning that will take place.