Abess Park Elementary
First Grade Team
Hi! My name is Michelle Arbon. This is my 19th year teaching and my 5th year at Abess Park. In addition to first grade, I have taught kindergarten and second grade.
In my free time I enjoy reading, watching soap operas and reality TV, watching my Seminoles play, and spending time at the beach- but my free time is usually spent cleaning up after my zoo at home. I have one daughter, who just finished kindergarten here at Abess park this year, one dog, 2 cats, 2 fish, and a new hamster!!
Contact Ms Arbon at: arbonm@duvalschools.org
Contact Ms Fleming at: flemingm1@duvalschools.org
My name is Julia Kendall and I am honored to be a part of the Abess Park Elementary team! This is my third year teaching and I look forward to all of what is to come within this school year, and beyond. I teach first grade here at Abess Park and love what I do! I am compassionate about being a teacher, and look forward to many more years in this profession. I have lived in Jacksonville for 20 years now and love being near the beach! In my spare time I enjoy vacationing with my family, going to the beach, scrapbooking, and shopping.
Contact Ms Kendall at: kendallj@duvalschools.org or check put her webpage blog at: http://kendallsclassfirstgrade.blogspot.com/
Hello! My name is Amber Maxwell and I am a first grade teacher at Abess Park Elementary. I am originally from the very cold state of Wisconsin and am a HUGE Green Bay Packer fan! I moved to Florida six years ago and have taught in Duval County all six years. I taught 5th grade one year and this will be my fifth year in 1st grade. I could not love my job more!!! First graders are at such a fun age and the growth during this year is truly remarkable! In my free time I like to go to the beach with my husband & our dog, Bailey, as well as run, wakeboard, cook and play Wii!
Contact Ms Maxwell at: kuehla@duvalschools.org or check out her webpage blog at: http://www.maxwellsclass.blogspot.com
You can contact Ms. Roth at: Georgee@duvalschools.org.
Hello, My name is Linda Shilby and I teach
1rd grade.
I am proud to be in my eighth year at Abess
Park Elementary, because it is the best
school in Duval County! I also work with the
best teachers in Duval County. I love my
career and there is so much payoff in
teaching. When a struggling child starts to
make gains and understand, that is the best
feeling in the world. When really advanced
students tell you that you challenged them
and they learned a lot in your classroom
that year. When you have children you have
had many years ago, come and tell you they
wish they were still in your room, remember
that lesson we did, or that they miss you, I
feel that I really make a difference in
many children's lives. There are few
professions like teaching, where you can
feel true accomplishment. We have that
chance every day.
I am married to a wonderful husband
and have two beautiful children, who are
both adults now. I am the very proud
grandmother of Christopher David, who is
three, and Ireland Christine, who is one.
They bring me such joy in life!
My hobbies include family first,
playing my flute along with my husband's
guitar, skiing, swimming, reading,
traveling, decorating my house, cooking,
cookouts with friends, and computer
Cribbage, Dominoes, Backgammon, and Euchre
in Pogo games. I hope you've enjoyed reading
my bio! Maybe I will see your child in my
classroom someday.
You can contact Ms. Shilby at: Shilbyl@duvalschools.org
My name is Pat Wimberley and I am a First Grade teacher at Abess Park. This is my 5th year at Abess Park and in sunny Florida! I have been teaching for 27 years and have teaching experience at all different grades and adult education. I have taught in Texas, Germany, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Being a military brat and wife I have traveled and lived many places in the U.S. and in Europe.
I have two grown sons Jim and John. Jim went to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Ct . He is currently stationed with the U. S. Coast Guard in Arlington, Va. John went to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. John is a AF pilot currently flying C-17's and deployed in Iraq.
My favorite things to do on the weekends is to walk along the beach, relax, read a good book, and listen to the sounds of the ocean and the seagulls. I enjoy swimming, traveling, and biking. In my travels I enjoy seeing and collecting miniature lighthouses I have visited.
I have been very honored to have received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Oklahoma State Finalist in Science, Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 2005, National Science Foundation Award, Oklahoma NASA Space Grant Consortium Award and National Citizenship Education Teachers Award.
My "Oceans" article was published in April 1977 Edition of the new Mailbox thematic publications. I believe my calling in life was to reach out and make a difference in the students I have taught.
Contact ms. Wimberly at: wimberleyp@duvalschools.org