Kellison Connection,

I hope everyone had a great spring break.  I am in awe of how fast time is flying by this school year.  It is time to start thinking about next year already.  I want to let everyone know that there will be some changes to our staff for the 2012-13 school year.  Hiring is one of the most difficult and enriching part of an administrator’s job. Our goal is always to have the best people in place in every position to help reach the school’s goal and vision.  This does not mean the people not hired are not good or qualified.  This concept is what makes it such a difficult process. 

Please note that I have attached a PDF form that you can fill out to help with teacher’s request for the next school year.  It is very important to read the directions on the form as we wish to hear about learning and teaching styles that may benefit your student.  We do not wish to have teachers name listed on the paper. 

You may notice there has been some change.  This was due to numbers and the fact that our 1^st grade went from 4 sections to 3 sections. Here is our list of teachers and grade levels for next year :

KDG:  Mrs. Brady and Mrs. Cozzolino

1^st Grade:  Mrs. Rhodes, Mrs. Wiedmann, and Mrs. Fowler

2^nd Grade:  Mrs. White, Mrs. Blome, Mrs. Jonn, and Mrs. Davis

3^rd Grade:  Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Feilner, Mrs. Jackman, and Mrs. Stroot

4^th Grade:  Mr. Baer, Mrs. Kulifay, Miss Otto, and TBD

5^th Grade:  Mrs. Blinkinsop, Mrs. Stein, Mrs. Boyle, and Mrs. Tilley

The highlighted teachers are new to Kellison.  Here is a little more information about our new additions. 

Amanda Boyle, 5th Grade: 

This will be Amanda’s 3rd year of teaching 5th grade in Rockwood. She student taught at Bowles, taught for a year at Fairway, and is currently teaching at Wild Horse.  Amanda has been involved with several successful Response to Intervention models in the district. She will bring this experience to Kellison and will be helpful as we focus on targeted interventions for our struggling and accelerated students.   She attended Truman State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.  In addition to teaching, she worked at a Kirkwood summer camp for numerous years. Amanda also has been involved in several different types of PLC’s during her time in RSD. 

Mellissa Stein, 5th Grade

This is Melissa’s 6th year teaching in Rockwood.  She taught 1 year in 1st grade and 5 years in 4th grade at Eureka Elementary. She is also a RSD graduate.  She attended Indiana State University and received a degree in Elementary Education.  She was on the track team as a triple jumper during her time in college.  She attended Southwest Baptist University and received a Masters in Education.  Mellissa has a great understanding reading conferences, writing conferences, small group instruction and the impact on student achievement. She also has a background of working with SSD students with severe needs.   Melissa also has a vast experience of working on Response to Intervention PLC’s (Professional Learning Communities).  She will be helpful as we move forward and focus on targeted interventions and accelerating all students. 

Laura Stroot, 3rdGrade

This is Laura’s Sixth year of teaching in Rockwood.  She taught 6 years at 2nd grade and this is her 1st year of teaching 1st grade.  Also, she is a Rockwood graduate.  After high school she attended the University of Texas in Austin.  While attending Texas, she played soccer for the Longhorns.  She has attended several RTI workshops and uses reading conferences, writing conferences, goal setting, and small group instruction in her classroom.  She also has a background of working with SSD students with severe needs.   She also has experience with the Response to Intervention PLC model.  She is very focused on teaching each individual student to make sure they do the best they can in school.