Please be sure and give a warm welcome to our new teachers. Please read their bios to get to know them a bit before school starts, and leave a comment to welcome them into our Chaffee Trail family. Leave any tips, hints, words of wisdom, or advice to make their transition smooth.
ALLISON BLOUNT: Kindergarten
I grew up in Jacksonville, the older of two children. I graduated from FSU undergrad, and received my masters from UNF. This summer, I got married to Adam and we have bought a house off Alta on the Northside. We are currently debating whether or not to get a dog; we want a chocolate lab, but right now are too busy to devote the time needed for a puppy!
I enjoy reading, and my favorite author is James Patterson. When I have spare time I like to scrapbook. I also teach dance at Scott Jones School of Dance and during the summer I work for COJ Aquatics Department.
I'm really excited to be teaching kindergarten at Chaffee. For the past year I have listened to Lucia, Terry, and Betty rave about how great it is to be a part of the Chaffee family, so I had to come see for myself! I am thankful to be given the opportunity to join the family. I am already loving everything about the school. The faculty I have met so far has been very welcoming. I am excited to begin the school year!
TERRY STUCKEY: Kindergarten
I am married and have 3 children, Jay III, Melody, and Joel. Jay III teaches biology at Ed White High School and his wife Erin teaches 2nd grade at Doctor's Inlet Elementary. Melody taught speech therapy in Clay County last year, but she and her husband are moving to Boone, NC for her to begin graduate school this fall. Joel is attending FCCJ. My husband is pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church. So, you can see, we are all involved in the educational system!
I began teaching in 2001. After volunteering in Joel's kindergarten classroom, I fell in love with teaching kindergarten. I returned to school a few years later and received a degree in Early Childhood Education from UNF. I taught at Hyde Grove Elementary for 4 years and Greenland Pines Elementary for 3 years. I am excited about joining the Chaffee Trail family. The kindergarten teachers have welcomed me and made me feel at home.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy playing the piano, reading, and working in my garden.
ELLISA WILLIAMS: Intermediate Support-Level Services Class (formerly TMH)
I am originally from Vermont and have 3 brothers, one of them being my twin! I have five nieces and nephews that I constantly dote on. I am a BIG Boston Red Sox fan and love spending time with friends and family. I am an old soul who loves old music, food, and relaxing with friends.
I have been teaching for 20 years, and I love teaching TMH because the kids always make me smile. I am still learning so much from my students! I always try and teach them through my example of treating all people with dignity and respect.
I am excited to come to teach at Chaffee Trail to meet new people (and be with old friends, Kelli McGreevy!), share new ideas, and learn from each other. Change is regenerating and refreshing, and I am excited to make new friends and have this Chaffee family an extension of my life.
MEGAN PRESTON: 5th grade ELA
I just moved to Jacksonville from Gainesville, FL, where I lived for about 6 years and went to school (Go Gators!). I am happy to be near the beach again, since I grew up in Naples and have missed it while living in central Florida. In addition to relaxing in the sun, I like running, attempting to cook, reading, and teaching. :)
I am very excited to start my first year of teaching at Chaffee Trail this year. I am looking forward to meeting the students and getting to know everyone at Chaffee. Everyone I have met so far is very enthusiastic and has said great things about the school. One thing I really love about teaching is hearing the stories and opinions of the students and listening to what they have to say. For this reason, I am especially excited to teach 5th grade English and Language Arts and I can't wait to see how the students will grow throughout the year in both areas. I am also really looking forward to using the technology and so many other resources that are available!
ROBYN PUTTICK: 5th grade ELA
I was born and raised in Tampa, FL, which instilled in me a fierce love of the Gulf of Mexico, sandy beaches, thunderstorms, seafood, and Cuban cuisine. I met my husband, Richard, at Flagler College in St. Augustine. I was majoring in fine arts, but was whisked away with him and his career before graduating. We have a 20 yr. old daughter, Jessica, who is a sophomore in college, currently planning on a foreign language degree and world travel. We also have a 15 yr. old son, Jake, who is a sophomore this year in the Cinematic Arts department at Douglas Anderson. In all of my spare time :), I love to make stuff: drawing, painting, baking, sewing, jewelry, and photography. I'm addicted to traveling and tend to get wanderlust every few months or so. I have several itineraries planned at this very moment and could probably be considered an amateur travel agent. I also LOVE reading and going to the movies, especially historical fiction (nerd).
Whenever I tell friends and family that this year I'm making the move from 2nd grade to 5th grade they all say, "That's perfect for you!" I think they might be right. I love spending my day with kids. And even though I love it when the light bulb goes on for a student, I love it even more when my students teach ME new things. I love that my job is never boring! I'm really looking forward to the positive atmosphere at Chaffee Trail where creativity, collaboration, and diversity are valued. And I'm thrilled to be working with the best ever art teacher and the best ever media specialist once again!
We welcome all of you new, fab teachers to Chaffee Trail and are looking forward to you joining our "team" in making the dream work! Please leave a comment-
