Welcome to Fourth Grade! My name is Candice Kruse, and I am delighted to teach at Grove Valley Elementary School. My goal at GVE is to promote a love of literacy. Reading is my favorite subject to teach because I love to find ways to make it fun! Science is also a passion of mine, especially anything to do with earth science, space, or animals.

I grew up in north Louisiana in a small town named Swartz (near Monroe). My mother and grandmother are the most influential people in my life because they are two very strong and very smart women! I wouldn’t trade my family for the world!

I attended Louisiana Tech University in the small, but booming town of Ruston, Louisiana (Go Dawgs!) where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education. I met and married my husband, Adam, while attending Louisiana Tech University. 

Adam and I moved down to Lafayette (the heart of Cajun country) where he earned his Masters in Petroleum Geology. While in Lafayette, I taught fourth grade for two years. In my first year of teaching, I was voted Teacher of the Year. I also implemented a Student Government at our school, helping students to become more actively involved in both the school and the community.

This summer, my husband and I relocated from Louisiana to Oklahoma. We are very excited to be here, and we have found everyone to be so welcoming! I look forward to working with students, parents, and colleagues to make this year the most successful one yet!