Abess Park Elementary

My name is Susan Amos I work presently as an Autistic Paraprofessional. I started working at Abess 2004-2005 school year. I only worked part time at the end of the year. I was a Kindergarten Tutor. Over the summer, Mrs. Wells called and asked me to become full time. Well of course I wanted to! I was a paraprofessional for Ms. Craig’s Kindergarten class. The following year I floated from class to class, helping each teacher. I got to know all the kindergarteners that year. It was great. I love the children. They just learn and are so excited.

Then in 2006-2007 school year Mrs. Wells said she needed me to help in the autistic department. The department is great. Everyday is a learning experience and is exciting. The children are wonderful, full of life and so much joy.

As for my personal life, I have a magnificent husband of 14 years named Raymond. He is so understanding and is willing to help me with everything. He is a patient man. We have two smart, pretty little girls. Tammy is in 4^th grade, Mrs. Holden’s class. Alyssa just left Abess and is at Landmark Middle School as an honor student. Thank you Abess. We are very pleased parents with our children and choices of schools we made.

Before Abess I was a stay at home mom with both of Alyssa and Tammy. I was so ready to get back to work after Tammy started school. I was so amazed that I actually got to work at my children’s school. I still can’t get over it. I love Abess because of what they have done and are doing for my children’s education. The start of school is so important and my thanks to Abess. That is why I always want to lend a helping hand when asked. I do hope they find me a valued employee for many years to come.

Hi, my name is Ann. This is my first year at Abess. I help work in the kindergarten classes. In my spare time I like to run and garden. I graduated from Flagler College. My hobbies include gardening, running, and bike riding. I have one son who is 22 months old and a stepdaughter that is 6years old. I have a boxer named Stella. I help out with Ms. Craig, Ms. Nehrbass and Ms. Ciupak's classes.

Hello I'm Tonja Boswell and I work in the Autistic unit here at Abess. I started working here in year 2006-2007.I love what I do because I love children. Their are so many possibilities to help some one learn. On the weekends I love spending time with my family. We go to church on Sundays were I am a Sunday school teacher and Children's Church Director. I am married and have two wonderful children. My mother-in-law also lives with us.

Abess Park IS #1 and I've been an integral part of this staff since its inaugural year. I began this journey in the Media Center along with then Media Specialist, Pat Laurence, while awaiting the completion of my intended place of teaching, the Computer Lab. I moved into the Computer Lab in January, 1998 and taught in that position until May, 2004. In August 2004 I teamed up with the ESE Department and worked side by side with Kelly McGill in a 4th & 5th Grade combination class for 3 years. In August, 2007 we (Kelly and I) became a part of the Inclusion team, where I worked solely with 5th Grade students. Currently along with the responsibility of 5th Grade students, I'm working with the 3rd and 4th Grade teams in the role of a tutor.

"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful" ~ Joshua J. Marine

You can contact Ms. Burks at: singletarv@duvalschools.org

¡Hola!, my name is Wilma Castañeda and I have been part of the Abess Park staff since its inaugural year 1997. While Abess was being built I would ride bike with my son, Alejandro, and show him the progress of the new school where he would begin his Kindergarten experience. In my heart, I also wanted to be part of this wonderful learning community. I was hired as a paraprofessional to help with the 5^th grade students. I was then placed in classes with exceptional students were I helped them overcome some of their learning challenges.

In 2000 I accepted my present position as Media Center assistant. I love working in the heart of the school. I enjoy helping the students with research and fostering the love of reading. I enjoy talking to the children about the books they’ve read. Sometimes when a student has no interest in reading or always picks the same genre, I try my best to talk them into a book I think would fit their personality.

I’m originally from New York, but my husband and I have lived in Jacksonville for 15 years and call it home. We have three wonderful sons, Fernando, Antonio and Alejandro. I enjoy gardening, reading, scrapbooking and cooking. As a family we enjoy watching sports especially baseball. Go Yankees!

Hi, my name is Conchita Johnsen. I have been at Abess Park for 11 years. I help in the kindergarten classes. In my spare time I like to scrapbook, garden and play with my new granddaughter Lillian Noelle. I have one daughter and a dog. I help in Ms. Lane, Ms. Morgen and Ms. Beckham's classes.

Hello all you wonderful Abess families!! Thank you for surfing into YOUR schools web site!

My name is Laura Johnson . I grew up in the Midwest along the Mississippi River and learned how to survive off the land and utilize cold, snowy winter days indoors and the summers for preserving foods and supplies. We grew and cooked our own food, made our own clothes, raised our own meat and even created some pretty good recipes (and music) along the way. I started “working” with children when I was 9 yrs old. teaching the kids of my very large family to read and write, learn and communicate through play. It has always been a passion of mine.

I moved to Southern California in 1986. After dealing with the culture shock, I soon found easier, faster ways to make life and living a little more convenient. (Wow! that was fun!) My time in California took me through the nursing field, working with many people who were dealing with aging, chronic and terminal illness at the University of California San Diego. I then tutored children with ADHD and other special needs within a private group setting.

I came to Jacksonville in 1993 ready to take on more challenges. I moved into the ABESS neighborhood before the school was built. Three years later, my oldest son, Matthew started KG at Sabal Palm. That is where I started working with DCPS. I came to Abess Park during its inaugural year. What a JOY!! What a great team! I started out volunteering so I could be home for my youngest son, Johnathan. I started the General Mills Box Tops Program at Abess and continued it for the next 8 years. Over those years, Abess students and staff collected enough box tops to purchase and support a full service food court, place bulletin bars outside every class room (for displaying students work) and to this day, we still have a full service food court which is usually open during major school events. (please, send your Box tops to school!) I served on the PTA board for 9 years, have worked with the Extended Day program for 10 yrs, then main office. Currently, working with 2^nd grade Extended Day and in my 2^nd year with the Autism Department as a Paraprofessional.

I LOVE every child and family who walk through our doors every day! It has been an enormous pleasure to work with such wonderful and brilliant children! Every day being here is a gift to me!! I truly cherish that! My hobbies include non fictional reading, gardening, cooking, photography, playing music, NASA and watching the skies day and night.

My ultimate joy is spending time with my family. Matthew is a Senior at Sandalwood High School, Johnathan is a 7^th grader at Landmark Middle. I am proud to be a part of your child’s every day even for a moment, an hour or all day! I love our teams and everyone who make Abess Park Elementary School a great place to Aspire, Acquire, Accomplish and Achieve!

Thank you for stopping by “The Park”. Hang on to your dreams!

You can contact Ms. Johnson at: johnsonl6@duvalschools.org

Hi, my name is Denise Martinez. I have been at Abess Park for 7 years. I help in the autistic pre-k class. I work with Ms. Harris. In my spare time I like to read. I am married with two children, Anthony and Beth. I have two dogs. I am attending school in the pursuit of a degree in education.

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