Administration

Julie A. Hudson, Principal

Credentials:

I came to Jacksonville when I was five years old. I am a product of Duval County Public Schools. I received a Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville University in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood. I then received my Master's degree from University of North Florida in Educational Leadership.

Teaching and Administrative Experience:

I began my teaching career in St. Johns County at Cunningham Creek Elementary teaching kindergarten for four years. After that I came to Duval as an Assistant Principal at S.P. Livingston Elementary for two years. I then transferred to Loretto Elementary as Vice Principal for one year. Then, I became the Principal at Carter G. Woodson. I was there for three years. I transferred over to Merrill Road at the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year.

Biography:

I have always been a leader in some capacity, (or as my family says, I am bossy). I was the President of my class for ninth- twelfth grade. I knew then that I wanted to be a principal. In junior high I was voted "Most Friendliest" and in high school "Most Likely to Succeed."

Upon entering college I wanted to teach fourth grade. However, I was encouraged to take early childhood classes. And the history began! I love working with the primary children. Just think, our school has about 600 students under the age of 8. Wow!

Life Motto:

Try, try again! You can achieve anything you set your mind to! I have lived by this since I was a little girl. I was determined in every way. And, I am being "blessed" with this with my daughter!

Hobbies:

School, school, school, gardening, sewing and scrap-booking (don't have much time for it right now), decorating, reading, scuba diving, boating, spending time with my husband, daughter, and dog (a Maltese).

Fun Facts:

I have a pen-pal who lives in Ohio. We got connected through one of our teachers, Ms. McGuff. She was my pen-pal's 2nd grade teacher in Ohio, and my 5th grade teacher in Jacksonville at Highlands Elementary. The task was for each student to write to one of her former students. The person she chose for me, Amy, was such a big success that I asked for another, Billie-Jean. Amy and I still communicate with one another. We met in person during the summer prior to our 9th grade year. We were in each others weddings, went to one another's baby showers. We don't write as much these days - the cell phone and email is basically our form of communication. I actually have just about every letter she ever wrote me. Coincidentally, we are both educators and have similar character traits.

Cynthia Bartley, Assistant Principal

Credentials:

I received both my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and my Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville University.

Teaching and Administrative Experience:

I began my teaching career with the Duval County Public School system teaching fifth grade at Carter G. Woodson Elementary. I taught for two years, then became an Intermediate Literacy/Math Coach for one year. That year was followed by two years as a Standards Coach. Upon completion of my Masters I came to Merrill Road Elementary as an Assistant Principal and have been here since the 2006-2007 school year.

Biography:

I am my mother's only daughter and my father's "baby girl". I grew up in the home with three brothers, who if asked, would probably say that I am spoiled. I beg to differ!! Although I have no children of my own, when asked that question my response is usually. "Yes, I have about 600 of them." It's commonly said that, "teaching is a matter of the heart". My heart's desire is to do what is best for children. Everyday I am reminded of the impact I have on the life of a child. Therefore, I am careful with my words and deeds as I interact with them.

Life Motto:

My Life Motto is to do all that I do with "integrity". I am a firm believer that my words and my actions should line up with one another. Your character will speak for you long after you're unable to. I want to be remembered as a person of integrity.

Hobbies:

There's not much spare time in the day for me. Between my work at school, activities at church and the daily responsibilities of home the day is pretty well spent. I like to read and try to as much as time allows.

Fun Facts:

I am caring for a Pomeranian named Taz. He belongs to my niece, Avia. She recently moved to Japan, along with my brother and I was asked to take care of her dog. When Avia was here she did things like carry Taz around in a baby doll carrier or in a back pack. He liked it. I think he thought he was a baby. Now, anytime I walk through the door he hops up on two legs and continues to do so until I pick him up and carry him like a baby. That's his afternoon greeting, then he's okay.