Blazers

Ms. Sara Haynes

I am Sara Haynes, and I teach 6th-grade language arts. I was raised in Oklahoma and received my degree in education from Oklahoma State University. I began my teaching career in 1993 in Oklahoma City. I moved to Colorado in 1998 where I taught for Little Public Schools. I switched to Douglas County School District in 2000 where I taught at Timber Trail Elementary for 14 years. I was lucky enough to move over to Rocky Heights and have been here since 2018.

I have two sons, Bennett and Blake, who both attended Timber Trail, Rocky Heights, and Rock Canyon High School. Bennett is a graduate of Colorado State University, and Blake recently graduated from The University of Colorado. 

There are some fundamental principles that I hold to while ensuring students are successful in my classroom, both academically and emotionally. First of all, I run a pretty tight ship, with high expectations both academically and in the way we treat each other. Additionally, I believe that strong reading and writing skills are vital for our kids to be successful. My instruction is rich in exploring literature, while demonstrating continuous critical thinking and growing authentic vocabulary. As writing is fundamental in almost all areas of education, there is also a direct focus on daily writing opportunities to explore the writing process. Most of all, my classroom is a place where kids can and will make mistakes, and each will provide an opportunity to grow and become a more sturdy human being.

Email is the most effective way to communicate with me. I check it periodically throughout the day. I will always reply within 24 hours, sooner when the matter is urgent. 

swahynes@dcsdk12.org

Mr. Scott McEowen

Hello from Mr. Mac!  I started at Rocky Heights in 2011 after 18 years teaching elementary school.  I am currently a 6th-grade Science Teacher on the Blazer Team.  I have had the pleasure of teaching grades 3 through 6 in my career, and I even worked as an Administrator for 2 years somewhere in the middle of all the fun.  I am driven by making great connections inside the classroom with kids and coaching them up on the football field, wrestling mat, and basketball court.  2025-26 is here!  Let’s Go Nighthawks!!!

In 6th grade at Rocky Heights, we study matter and energy in the first semester and ecology in the second semester, aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards.

I can be reached at samceowen@dcsdk12.org or scott.mceowen.org  I check my email at the end of the school day and will do my very best to reply within 24 hours.

Ms. Ashley Tedesco

Welcome to RHMS, we are so excited to have you! I would like to personally welcome you to the Blazer team, and to sixth grade Social Studies. This will be my first year teaching, and I could not be more thrilled to be working with you and being your partner in learning and growth this school year! I graduated in 2025 from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in K-8 Teacher Education and a concentration in Middle School Social Studies, and moved here to Colorado the same month. I am a lover of all things Social Studies and in my undergraduate preparation for this role fell in love with teaching middle schoolers. I feel privileged that this is the job that I get to wake up and come to every day!

Outside of the classroom, my people at home are my rock! I moved here with my fiancé and shortly after arriving we adopted our kitten Nova (who is quickly growing out of being a kitten!). I love reading, hiking, skiing (even though I am still a beginner!), and anything that gets me moving and outside. I am sincerely looking forward to the upcoming school year!

Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with any questions, comments, or concerns that you have. I will be checking email during school hours. Any email communications after school hours may not be answered until the following school day, but I will get back to you within 24 hours of receiving your message!

Email: atedesco1@dcsdk12.org

Ms. Caroline Weinberg

I have been a teacher at Rocky Heights since 2004. I grew up in Ireland and came to the US to play basketball at Illinois State University. After college, I moved to Colorado for my first teaching job and have been teaching middle school PE and health ever since. My daughter attends Creighton University, and my son is a student at Rock Canyon High School. My husband Joe and I enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking, biking, and skiing.

My preferred method of communication is my email caweinberg@dcsdk12.org

Mr. Bryan Dodd

My name is Bryan Dodd. I am new to both Rocky Heights Middle School and to my role as a Learning Specialist, but I am not new to teaching.  I have been a classroom teacher in Douglas County since 2007. My wife is also a special educator in Cherry Creek, and my son attends Chatfield High School. I am a 5th-generation Denver native and grew up near Chatfield Reservoir. I spend a lot of time playing disc golf, kayaking, camping, and I am a huge Bronco fan.

When it comes to communication, I will always prefer email, and this will always be the best way to get a hold of me.