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I am extremely proud to be a part of Sallie Jones Elementary, and I'm looking forward to my seventh year being part of such an awesome family!  I believe in teaching the whole child; communicating with families; and creating a classroom that’s inviting, instructive, challenging and encouraging.  I believe it takes cooperation to shape a child, so I am looking forward to a fantastic year working with my fifth grade students, their families, and the staff.  

Before coming to Sallie Jones Elementary, I taught fifth grade for twelve years, fourth grade for three years, and third grade for one year in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I am originally from Racine, Wisconsin, which makes me a big Green Bay Packers fan! I moved to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin College. After college I taught English in Tokyo for a year. When I returned to the States I taught high school and middle school for a few years. I then went back to school for my elementary teaching degree. I completed my master's degree in curriculum and instruction at Cornerstone University in December 2010. 

I hate cold and snow, so I am delighted to live in a community that does not have ridiculously cold weather and heaps of snow for more than half the year (goodbye winter driving!).  It is a big change, but one that I have wanted to make for decades. I LOVE reading and I enjoy exercising (most days). I used to be on a bowling league (but please don’t ask about my average.  Do Southerners really laugh at this activity?!), and my golf game improves little by little each summer (okay, maybe not). I also enjoy spending time with my husband, Dirk, and goofing around with our dog, Jersey.  I hope to learn how to fish, snorkel, and maybe even scuba dive in the future!  I cannot wait to dive into Florida activities!

Here are some random facts about me:

·      I have learned to appreciate air conditioning - if it's not set at a Michigan-winter temperature.
·      If I could eat an entire lobster every day, I would.
·      I eat way too much cheese.
·      I wish I could sing and cook, but not necessarily at the same time.
·      I confess to liking 80’s music and disco.
·      I hate driving in the snow...but that has come to an end!
·       I love, love, love spring and summer in Michigan.  I love, love, love fall and winter in Florida!!!
·      I don’t go to theaters to watch movies because I can’t sit still that long without doing something.