Abess Park Elementary

Caroline Wells has a BS in Elementary Education and a MEd in Educational Leadership. She has a total of 22 years in the education field with 15 years of classroom teaching experience at the elementary level. Mrs. Wells was an assistant principal for 4 years prior to becoming principal at Abess Park Elementary. This is her fourth year as principal. Abess Park has remained an A school under the leadership of Mrs. Wells. Mrs. Wells conducts classroom focus walks to monitor teacher implementation of district curriculum initiatives and sound educational practices. She also monitors student learning achievement and leads the school in the data analysis process. Mrs. Wells is a member of the Duval County Reading Council.

My name is Stephanie Shepard and this is my fourth year as the assistant principal here at Abess Park. I was born in Manchester, New Hampshire but moved to Jacksonville when I was 9. I began my school career at Merrill Road Elementary and graduated from Wolfson High School. I graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and earned a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida here in Jacksonville. I began my teaching career at Leesville Elementary School in Raleigh North Carolina where I taught 4^th grade for two years. I then moved back to Jacksonville and taught fourth grade at Reynolds Lane Elementary for three years, and then transferred to Twin Lakes Elementary where I taught 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade. This is my fourth year as an assistant principal and although I do miss the classroom, I do love my job. I am an only child and visit my parents who live in Tampa as often as my schedule will allow. I love outdoor activities, watching football, scrapbooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

My name is Ann Curran and I am the Bookkeeper for Abess Park Elementary. In my position of bookkeeper, I handle all the financial records and payroll for our school, as well as other tasks within the office area of the school. I began working for Duval County Public Schools in August of 1999 as the Bookkeeper at Arlington Elementary and was promoted to the Bookkeeper II position at Abess Park in January of 2004. Prior to working for the school system, I held different positions within local banking institutions from 1985 through 1993 and I was a stay at home mom from May of 1993 through August 1999. Although I do not hold a degree, I completed two years of college from Indiana University where my major was Mathematics. I began studying piano at the age of 8 and have been actively involved in music throughout most of my life. I am the pianist for my church and my husband and I have a ministry at the Atrium retirement home where we sing for the residents on Sunday afternoons. We have three children and enjoy our family time together by going to Jaguar games, attending other sporting events, watching movies, visiting theme parks, attending church events, and just hanging out together.

If I can be of any assistance to you in the financial aspects of our school, please contact me.

You can contact Ms. Curran at: currana@duvalschools.org

My name is Debbie Ellison, I have been employed by Duval County Schools since 1992. I started off as a volunteer in the school system. I first worked in Mayport Elementary’s Extended Day Program. Shortly after that I was hired as a paraprofessional at Mayport. I have had the privilege to work with Pre-K through 4^th grade children. After Mayport, I worked at Atlantic Beach Elementary for 2 years. I then came to Abess Park. This is my 2^nd year as an Office Assistant. In my spare time I enjoy playing with my grandson, spending time at the beach, canoeing and bike riding. If I can be of any assistant please let me know.

Hi, my name is Angela Ward. This is my second school term at the park. It is always exciting in the front office. When you come to Abess stop by the main office and I will greet you with a smile.

Hi my name is Rae Wardrop. I have been at Abess Park for 11 years. I work and work and work in the main office. In my spare time I like to read, go to Gator games and cook.

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