Meet Mrs. Trnka
Thomas (16), Brian, Missy and Jacob (19) Trnka
A Little About Me
I grew up in Montgomery with my parents, Dave and Betty, and younger brother, Ryan. I attended the University of St. Thomas (originally as a finance major!) for my undergraduate degree, double majoring in Elementary Education (Kindergarten - 5th grade) and SMEE (Science and Math for Elementary Education). I received my Masters in Education from St. Mary's University and my ESL license from Hamline University. My husband Brian is originally from Lonsdale and works for JLL in Minneapolis. We live with our two handsome boys in New Prague. Jacob loves fishing, golf and flying airplanes. This summer is working at College City Beverage in Dundas, finishing up his private pilot's license and getting ready to begin his sophomore year at Minnesota State University - Mankato. Thomas is enjoying some newfound freedom as he got his driver's license this summer! He loves music, playing the piano and going to concerts. He is an incredible drawer and painter. He works at Local 105 and runs track in the spring. He is getting ready to start his sophomore year at the high school and loves being part of all the things including Faith Club, Student Council, German Club and he's been instrumental in helping found a chapter of HOSA (think DECA but for students interested in healthcare) here at New Prague high school. Brian's role at work has changed this past year and he travels quite a bit now with a fair amount of international travel likely on the horizon. I am an avid reader, am typically working my way through two or three at a time and always have a stack at the ready for when one is finished. This summer, my best friend and I committed to learning Mahjong. While we are not yet experts, we have the basics down and will continue to practice and improve. What we love best is all the cute merch that goes along with the game - ha! I am an expert online shopper :) I have adored Pinterest since it's conception and don't think I could live without it! I'm an Instagram girl, and surprisingly have never been on Facebook. Bravo is the only channel I need on my television (besides CBS for my daily Young and the Restless episode!). Well, as long as I can record Dateline from NBC :) I'm pretty sure I was meant to be a detective in another life - ha! That sums up the Trnka crew in a nutshell. I think it's helpful to get to know me/us not just as "Mrs. Trnka, the first grade teacher" but as a person too!
Teaching Background
This is my 27th year of teaching. I began my career in the Prior Lake - Savage school district at Glendale Elementary. There I taught a first-second grade loop for 6 years. I came to New Prague after that and tried out my English as a Second Language license for a year here but desperately missed the classroom. The next year I was back in first grade and have been here ever since. That makes this my 21st year of teaching first grade in New Prague. Our first grade team here at Falcon Ridge is amazing and I feel truly blessed to work with such incredible and fun teachers. My undergraduate degree was a double-major in which I focused intensely on Science and Math instruction for elementary students. They are my true loves when it comes to teaching!
A Few of My Favorite Things
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Sport: Golf and Dance (don't even try to tell me it's not a sport!)
Favorite Candy: Milk Duds, Red Swedish Fish
Favorite Drink: Lime Perrier, Raspberry Lime Spindrift, Lime Pellegrino
Favorite Drink Drink: Hugo Spritz
Favorite Snack: Cracker Jack, White Cheddar Boom Chicka Pop
Favorite Food: Crab Legs and Lobster
Favorite Scent: Cucumber or Pear
Favorite Flower: Hydrangea and Begonia
Favorite Restaurants: Panera, Olive Garden, Fishtale Grill, Red Lobster, Benihana, Charlie's on Prior Lake,
Local 105 and Tavern 1319
Favorite TV Shows: Young & the Restless, Dateline, The Valley, McBee Dynasty
Favorite Stores: TuckerNuck, Ann Taylor, Von Maur, Nordstroms, J. Crew, Banana Republic
