My name is Juandalynn Conaway.  I have been teaching for 16 years.  I graduated from Bethune Cookman University, "Home of the Fighting Wildcats".  I started my teaching career in Daytona Beach, Florida at Turie T. Small Elementary where I taught grades first and second.

         After moving to  Jacksonville, I began teaching at Abess Park Elementary in 1997, the very first year that it opened.  During the first 10 years I taught first grade.  It was such a wonderful experience teaching the little ones to read and develop a life-long love for books.  In 2007, I was given an opportunity to move to third grade and teach Reading and Language. It has been  challenging, but when you love what you do, you go at it with enthusiasm, courage and the desire to conquer all the challenges.

         My husband and I  were blessed with two wonderful little people.  They both attend Abess Park.  They enjoy coming to work with mommy. I feel proud to have them in such a great place with loving, caring and dedicated people who believe in the motto " Love all children".

         In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, scrapbooking, shopping, hanging-out with family and friends, shopping, cheering for the Hurricanes and Dolphins Football Team and just enjoying the simple things in life ....... (shopping)  .........lol

        You can contact Ms Conaway at: Conawayj@duvalschools.org

        I'm Kim Jones and working here at Abess Park Elementary is one of the highlights of my career.   I began  teaching Kindergarten in Louisiana for 10 years. After moving  to Jacksonville, I soon began teaching at Sabal Palm Elementary where I taught 1st grade and came to Abess Park when it opened.  I continued teaching 1st grade when I came to Abess. After teaching first grade for 10 years, I moved up to 2nd grade.  In 2007, I moved to 3rd grade and taught Reading and Language.  Each grade level that I've taught has been a great experience. Teaching reading and seeing students make progress and gain confidence in their reading abilities has always been exciting to me. Now that I'm in 3rd grade, it's great to be able to focus on what I love--children and reading.

         My husband and I have 2 adult daughters, both graduates of FSU, and a wonderful 4 year old granddaughter. We also have an 11th grade son who attended Abess Park and is now at Paxon.  

        I enjoy working in my yard, especially with my flowers. I also love spending time with my family.

        You can contact ms. Jones at: Jonesk@duvalschools.org

         Hello!  My name is Debby Mason and I have been teaching for 26 years.  I graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky with my Bachelor's Degree in Learning & Behavior Disorders.  I then taught special education in Illinois for two years before moving to Jacksonville in 1986.  While it was hard to leave my family and friends, I love living and teaching in Jacksonville!  I earned my Master's Degree in Counselor Education from UNF.  I  taught special education at Central Riverside Elementary and special education and first grade at San Pablo Elementary.  Then I was blessed to be hired at Abess Park the year we opened.  I taught third grade for the first five years and then I looped up to fourth grade with my class.  I then left the classroom and became the Guidance Counselor for two years.  I soon decided that I missed being in the classroom with students, so I asked to return to teaching and have been back in third grade for the last five years.  I love being part of the wonderful third grade team of teachers! 

         In my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, and cheering for the Jaguars and the St. Louis Cardinals.  I also spend time spoiling my four-legged child, Chloe - a four year old Cocker Spaniel.   During holidays and summers I travel to Illinois to visit my family. 

        You can contact Ms Mason at: Masond1@duvalschools.org

       Hello! My name is Laura Osborne and this is my fifth year teaching.  I am very blessed to have been hired at the BEST school in the world!!  Since I have been here at Abess I have taught 3rd grade Math, Science, and Social Studies.  I love being a teacher because the students keep it fun and interesting.  It's a wonderful feeling to be able to watch my third graders learn and grow.

        I have lived most of my life in Orlando.  I moved to Jacksonville in 2003 and earned a degree at UNF in Elementary Education.  In my free time, I enjoy shopping, spending time with friends, and watching the Gators and Jaguars play football!! I also like to take road trips to visit my family in Orlando. :) 

        You can contact Ms. Osborne at: Osbornel@duvalschools.org

        Hello, My name is Linda Shilby and I teach 3rd grade Math, Science, and Social Studies. I am proud to be in my seventh year at Abess Park Elementary, because it is the best school in Duval County! 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 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 , the light of my life! I am waiting on my second grand child, who will be born in April.

        My hobbies include family first, playing my flute with my husband's guitar, skiing, swimming, reading, traveling, decorating my house, cook outs with friends, and computer Cribbage 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