Abess Park Elementary

My name is Torri Fowler and I am currently a 4th Grade Teacher at Abess Park Elementary. I have been fortunate to work at Abess Park for the past five years. After graduating from JU with honors, I was able to receive a position teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies here at Abess Park.

When I am not teaching, I manage a dance studio during the week. I have danced all of my life, and I love being able to see young children use their talents as a tool to motivate them to reach their goals. I teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and tumbling to children ages 2 and up. It has been a wonderful challenge to incorporate my love for both education and dance.

While I am not teaching, I take care of my family. I have a young girl named Savannah, and she keeps me busy while I am at home. I also love to relax on the beach, play in the park, ride bikes, and enjoy outdoor activities with friends and loved ones.

You can contact Ms. Fowler at: fowlert1@duvalschools.org

Hello! I am Sylvia Gentges and I teach 4th grade at the best school in town. I have been teaching for 14 years. I started my teaching adventure at R.L. Brown Elementary as a third grade teacher. I have been teaching at Abess Park since 2002. I have taught 5th grade (ELA) and 4th grade (all subjects).

I am originally from Illinois. I am an alumni of Illinois State University, where I earned a degree in Parks and Recreation: Program Management. That degree brought me south to the "Sunshine State" and the resorts. After working several years in various resorts programming children's activities and training college interns, I returned to college at UNF to become a teacher!

I have two children, Reagan and Reilly. Reagan is a 6th grader and Reilly is a 3rd grader. We are a very active family involved in dance, tumbling, cheerleading, girl scouts, baseball, and soccer. During my "free time" (ha-ha), I love to dance, read, and decorate my house.

I feel very lucky to teach with the best teachers and coworkers. I love my Abess Park family! I have had the pleasure of having my life touched by so many wonderful students. I treasure the time that I have had with my "school" kids!

You can contact Ms Gentges at: gentgess@duvalschools.org

Hi, my name is Kimberly Hoffman. I have been teaching fourth grade at Abess Park for 11 years. I love fourth graders! I also taught in grade levels 2-5 at a magnet school downtown for six years.

My son Gregory is in the third grade here at Abess! We live in another county, but I have brought him to Abess since he started Kindergarten. I truly believe he gets the best education in the whole state here at Abess!

I spend a lot of time being a very involved "sports" mom. My son plays soccer, baseball and golf.

Our family just rescued a cat from a rescue shelter. Her name is Jade. Having a new kitty in the house is really fun!

You can contact ms Hoffman at: hoffmank@duvalschools.org

Hello to the Abess Park Community. I am Debbie Holden and currently teach fourth grade here in the best school in Duval County. I am now beginning my sixth year at Abess, but have taught for 30+ years, every grade from first through sixth, as well as Exceptional Education as a Learning Disabilities teacher. I formerly taught at Finegan Elementary for 17 years. I am privileged to have the best teaching partner in the world as he is also my life partner--although we fortunately do not share an office! Mr. Holden and I also attempt to keep school discussions at home to a minimum--works for us!

Although I have lived in Florida for over 30 years, I am a Virginia girl at heart. That is where I grew up and I graduated from the University of Virginia. I actually enrolled there the first year the university accepted women and went co-ed, so I was a part of history. I went on to receive my Masters Degree there in Learning Disabilities. Although my school doesn't rank up there with the Gator and Seminole football teams, I am very proud of having attended school at "Mr. Jefferson's University." I am also an avid Jaguars fan.

I have a married son, David, who is the pride of my life. He and his wife, Katie, had my first grandchild last December, and I am beyond excited.

Reading a good book, on the beach, is my favorite place to be. I want and hope that my students will learn to enjoy reading and will grow to find it as satisfying and worthwhile as I do.

Hello, my name is Mr. Holden. I have been teaching for 34 years!!!!!! I have taught high school, middle school, part time college, and elementary school! I have been at Abess Park for 5 years, teaching Math, Science and Social Studies in fourth grade. I spend as much of my free time in the ocean surfing as possible. The rest of my time I like to play with my granddaughter, Kennedy! She is two years old and keeps me running!

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