Welcome to first grade!

My name is Michael VandenHeuvel (Mr. V) and I am thrilled to be a part of the first grade team! This is my fourth year at Capitol Hill. Originally from Green Bay, WI, I came to the Twin Cities after living in New York City for ten years. I spent 5 years teaching in New York City at PS87 in a Dual Language (Spanish/English) classroom while I attended Teachers College Columbia University to obtain my M.A. in Elementary Inclusive Education. My relationships with students and my genuine joy of learning are all at the heart of my teaching. I love facilitating conversations in my classroom that develop curious, imaginative, empathetic, and engaged critical thinkers. What I love most about first grade at Capitol Hill is the ability we have to create enrichment opportunities, support and enable flexibility with each child, and help foster a growth mindset in our learning communities. Outside of the classroom, my hobbies include cooking, reading, going on walks, journaling, traveling with my husband, and spending time with my family in Wisconsin.