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DES MOINES, Iowa – It’s the first year for Horizon Science Academy. The first public charter school in Des Moines already has its first Golden Apple Winner.

Solving math equations in Monica Kasch’s second-grade classroom is a team effort.

“So they’re all getting a chance to say their answer whether it’s correct or not correct. There are kids that disagree as you heard. There’s one of my students that said I disagree with you and so then we talk about that. Why do you disagree? You need to explain that. We’re a whole class, we’re a whole family,” Kasch explained.

In her two decades of teaching, Kasch has learned it’s important to include everyone so no student gets left behind. She’s brought that strategy and style with her to the new Horizon Science Academy, the city’s first charter school with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

“She’s been a great teacher for us, ever since we started coming here,” Audrey Peterson, a second grader, said.

“She’s nice. She lets us to do a lot of things,” student Kinnick Cain said. “When there’s a science activity that includes food, she lets us eat it.”

While students enjoy her fun lesson plans, their parents are happy to see the progress they’ve made in the classroom.

“All the kids in the class just got along so good and that’s because of her,” parent Jess Cain said. “She creates a loving environment that makes kids want to learn.”

“She just is able to connect with students in a very special way,” Principal ​Laura Cannon said. “We’ve had students that are participating and active and doing things that they’ve never done before in their class so that’s awesome.”

That’s why several families nominated Kasch for the Golden Apple as recognition for the teacher who’s always thinking of her students.

“They’re my biggest cheerleaders. They love coming to school. They love learning,” Kasch said. “They’re little sponges so that’s why I’m here. That’s my why.”

A purpose and passion that led to a celebration.

“It was always like a dream and so when it happened it’s worth all the extra time and I guess I want to say patience too that we have,” Kasch said, “because it’s a new charter school and there’s things that we want to make sure we’re implementing and doing and I feel like it’s happened.”

Kasch is one of 20 staff members at Horizon Science Academy. Currently, there are 73 students, and they hope to grow that number next year when they will be Pre-K through fourth grade and open to the greater Des Moines area.

Watch the full interview with Kasch below:

View more of our Golden Apple Award winners here.