🎶 Teacher Spotlight: Welcome Rachel Lott! 🎶
Join us in giving a warm SPE welcome to Rachel Lott, our new Music teacher! This is Rachel’s second year in the classroom, but she brings over 11 years of experience teaching private music lessons.
When asked what inspired her to pursue education, Rachel shared:
“I want to bring up the next generation of music makers and music lovers. In private lessons, my impact is one at a time. In the classroom, it’s multiplied. Some of my very first students are all grown up and creating amazing music everywhere they go—some are even teaching music themselves!”
What does she love most about teaching?
“When kids accomplish and achieve things they once believed to be impossible.”
While this is her first year at SPE, Rachel is excited to join in on traditions like the Teacher Talent Show, which she thinks will quickly become a favorite!
Fun Fact:
Rachel is a Suwannee High School alum, where her senior ambition was to “Change the world with my guitar.” She laughs that while she once imagined life as a famous rockstar,
“I’m still changing the world with my guitar—just in a way I never could have imagined. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything—not even for rockstar fame!”
We’re thrilled to have Rachel sharing her passion for music with our students. 🎸🎤🎼
#TeacherSpotlight #WelcomeToSPE #MusicMatters
Join us in giving a warm SPE welcome to Rachel Lott, our new Music teacher! This is Rachel’s second year in the classroom, but she brings over 11 years of experience teaching private music lessons.
When asked what inspired her to pursue education, Rachel shared:
“I want to bring up the next generation of music makers and music lovers. In private lessons, my impact is one at a time. In the classroom, it’s multiplied. Some of my very first students are all grown up and creating amazing music everywhere they go—some are even teaching music themselves!”
What does she love most about teaching?
“When kids accomplish and achieve things they once believed to be impossible.”
While this is her first year at SPE, Rachel is excited to join in on traditions like the Teacher Talent Show, which she thinks will quickly become a favorite!
Fun Fact:
Rachel is a Suwannee High School alum, where her senior ambition was to “Change the world with my guitar.” She laughs that while she once imagined life as a famous rockstar,
“I’m still changing the world with my guitar—just in a way I never could have imagined. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything—not even for rockstar fame!”
We’re thrilled to have Rachel sharing her passion for music with our students. 🎸🎤🎼
#TeacherSpotlight #WelcomeToSPE #MusicMatters
🌟 Teacher Spotlight: Cindy Fender 🌟
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Support Facilitator
25 Years in Education | 5 Years as a Certified ESE Teacher
We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Cindy Fender, whose passion for education began while substituting in special needs classrooms. She shares:
“I realized that even though these students were ‘disabled,’ they were very much uniquely able.”
That spark grew as she worked as a paraprofessional, and with encouragement from a lead teacher, she went back to college in her 50s to become a certified ESE teacher.
💡 What Cindy loves most about her job:
“Working with my students to bridge gaps and gain skills. I also enjoy the family of a supportive staff and admin.”
🎉 Favorite Classroom Tradition:
Kickstarting the year with “getting to know you” activities and celebrating each student’s birthday in a special way!
Words she lives by:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Gandhi
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart...” — Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank you, Ms. Fender, for your heart, dedication, and inspiration! 💙👏
#TeacherSpotlight #ESEChampion #DedicationInEducation #WeAreGrateful
🎈 Teacher Spotlight! 🎈
Meet Tralene Sasso, a dedicated Kindergarten Teacher at Suwannee Pineview Elementary, celebrating 15 years in education!
Ms. Sasso was inspired to become a teacher because of her own children — and now she shares that same love, care, and dedication with every student she teaches. 💖
Her favorite part of the job? Her students! Their excitement for learning and growth makes every day meaningful.
One of her favorite classroom traditions is the balloon countdown to summer! 🎈 During the last 10 days of school, the class pops a balloon each day to reveal a surprise activity — like eating lunch outside, bringing a stuffed animal, or sitting by a friend. It’s a fun and engaging way to keep students excited right up to the last day!
When it comes to school-wide traditions, Kindergarten Graduation & Awards Day holds a special place in Ms. Sasso’s heart. Seeing students proudly cross the stage, celebrating their milestones with families and friends, is a joyful reminder of how magical the start of learning can be. 🎓✨
Ms. Sasso says it best:
“I do what I do for the students. ❤️”
Thank you, Ms. Sasso, for your dedication, heart, and the joy you bring to Pineview! 🌟
#TeacherSpotlight #SuwanneePineviewPride #KindergartenMagic
Meet Tralene Sasso, a dedicated Kindergarten Teacher at Suwannee Pineview Elementary, celebrating 15 years in education!
Ms. Sasso was inspired to become a teacher because of her own children — and now she shares that same love, care, and dedication with every student she teaches. 💖
Her favorite part of the job? Her students! Their excitement for learning and growth makes every day meaningful.
One of her favorite classroom traditions is the balloon countdown to summer! 🎈 During the last 10 days of school, the class pops a balloon each day to reveal a surprise activity — like eating lunch outside, bringing a stuffed animal, or sitting by a friend. It’s a fun and engaging way to keep students excited right up to the last day!
When it comes to school-wide traditions, Kindergarten Graduation & Awards Day holds a special place in Ms. Sasso’s heart. Seeing students proudly cross the stage, celebrating their milestones with families and friends, is a joyful reminder of how magical the start of learning can be. 🎓✨
Ms. Sasso says it best:
“I do what I do for the students. ❤️”
Thank you, Ms. Sasso, for your dedication, heart, and the joy you bring to Pineview! 🌟
#TeacherSpotlight #SuwanneePineviewPride #KindergartenMagic
🌟 Teacher Spotlight! 🌟
Meet Tamara Felton, a dedicated 1st Grade Teacher at Suwannee Pineview Elementary, celebrating 20 years in education! 🎉
Ms. Felton is passionate about making sure every student feels seen, heard, and inspired. She believes in the power of education to change lives and loves creating “aha!” moments in the classroom.
Her favorite part of the day? Story time! 📚 She brings stories to life with silly character voices that keep her students engaged and entertained.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Felton looks forward to the end-of-year teacher talent show — a fun tradition to celebrate and unwind after a busy year!
Her guiding philosophy:
"I teach my students how to behave by what I allow, what I stop, what I ignore, and what I reinforce."
Thank you, Ms. Felton, for your heart, dedication, and the difference you make every day! 💙🍎 #TeacherSpotlight #SuwanneePineviewPride #WeLoveOurTeachers
Meet Tamara Felton, a dedicated 1st Grade Teacher at Suwannee Pineview Elementary, celebrating 20 years in education! 🎉
Ms. Felton is passionate about making sure every student feels seen, heard, and inspired. She believes in the power of education to change lives and loves creating “aha!” moments in the classroom.
Her favorite part of the day? Story time! 📚 She brings stories to life with silly character voices that keep her students engaged and entertained.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Felton looks forward to the end-of-year teacher talent show — a fun tradition to celebrate and unwind after a busy year!
Her guiding philosophy:
"I teach my students how to behave by what I allow, what I stop, what I ignore, and what I reinforce."
Thank you, Ms. Felton, for your heart, dedication, and the difference you make every day! 💙🍎 #TeacherSpotlight #SuwanneePineviewPride #WeLoveOurTeachers
Get ready for the 2025-2026 Suwannee County School District New Hire Orientation!
We are excited to welcome all new instructional and non-instructional employees to the Suwannee County School District family! Please see below for details on our upcoming New Hire Orientation:
📅 Day 1: Thursday, July 24th
🕢 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Location: SCSD Board Room 1740 Ohio Avenue South, Live Oak, FL 32064
☕ Breakfast provided by United Teachers Union
🍽️ Lunch provided by Acentria Insurance
✅ Required for all instructional and non-instructional new hires
📅 Day 2: Tuesday, July 29th
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
📍 Location: SCSD Resource Center 305 Pinewood Drive, Live Oak, FL 32064
✅ Instructional employees only
Have questions? Give us a call at (386) 647-4634 or (386) 647-4641.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!
🌟 Teacher Spotlight: Traci Davis 🌟
PreK-3 Lead Teacher
With an incredible 32 years in education, Ms. Davis has devoted her career to shaping young minds. Her passion for working with children began early:
“At the age of 12, I started babysitting and discovered how much I enjoyed working with children. So I made it my career!”
When asked what she loves most about her job, she shared:
“There are so many things I love, it’s hard to choose just one. But truly, the children I work with and teach every day are where my heart is.”
One of her favorite classroom traditions is tie-dyeing shirts before spring break.
“My students choose their shirt design and color combinations. I love seeing their excitement when the shirts are done and they realize they created their very own design!”
Thank you, Ms. Davis, for your dedication and 32 years of making a difference! 🎨👕💙
🌟 Teacher Spotlight: Krystal Fletcher 🌟
Second Grade Teacher
Before stepping into her own classroom, Mrs. Fletcher spent seven years as a substitute teacher — and she’s now proudly in her 11th year of teaching!
When asked what inspired her to pursue education, she shared:
“I was the only one of four children in my family to graduate high school. My siblings never learned to read above a 2nd grade level. I wanted to help students build a strong foundation so they can be successful in school and in life.”
What does she love most about teaching?
“I love seeing the world from a child’s eyes.”
One of her favorite classroom traditions is dressing up as an elf each Christmas and surprising her students with gifts .
As for school-wide traditions, Mrs. Fletcher looks forward to the annual Egg Drop:
“It’s such a great opportunity for students to practice and perfect their engineering skills.”
She lives by this guiding principle:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
Thank you, Mrs. Fletcher, for your dedication and heart for students! 💙🍎✨
Second Grade Teacher
Before stepping into her own classroom, Mrs. Fletcher spent seven years as a substitute teacher — and she’s now proudly in her 11th year of teaching!
When asked what inspired her to pursue education, she shared:
“I was the only one of four children in my family to graduate high school. My siblings never learned to read above a 2nd grade level. I wanted to help students build a strong foundation so they can be successful in school and in life.”
What does she love most about teaching?
“I love seeing the world from a child’s eyes.”
One of her favorite classroom traditions is dressing up as an elf each Christmas and surprising her students with gifts .
As for school-wide traditions, Mrs. Fletcher looks forward to the annual Egg Drop:
“It’s such a great opportunity for students to practice and perfect their engineering skills.”
She lives by this guiding principle:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
Thank you, Mrs. Fletcher, for your dedication and heart for students! 💙🍎✨
2025-2026 School Supply List
Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Cierra Keen, Media Specialist
We’re excited to spotlight Mrs. Keen, who is entering her seventh year in education! Driven by a deep passion for helping others, Mrs. Keen was inspired to pursue education because of the incredible fulfillment that comes from guiding students toward understanding, growth, and confidence.
As our Media Specialist, Mrs. Keen loves inspiring a love of reading and watching that spark ignite in students. She says, “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their curiosity grow and their excitement for books come to life.”
One of her favorite library traditions? Dash Battle Bots! She enjoys teaching students how to build, collaborate, and explore technology — all while having fun.
Mrs. Keen’s favorite school event is the STEMposium, where we celebrate our students' hard work, creativity, and innovation.
She lives by the quote:
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne
Thank you, Mrs. Keen, for all you do to foster a love of reading, learning, and creativity in our students!
Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Becky Carter, Academic Coach
Meet Mrs. Carter, our dedicated Academic Coach with 21 years in education! From the moment she started school herself, Mrs. Carter knew the classroom was where she belonged. As a child, she was the ultimate pretend teacher—lining up her cats as “students,” creating bulletin boards from box lids, and teaching lessons to anyone who would listen! That passion only deepened when she became a teacher assistant in high school, confirming that teaching isn’t just what she does—it’s who she is.
As an Academic Coach, Mrs. Carter loves supporting and empowering teachers in their professional growth. She collaborates with educators to strengthen teaching strategies, build positive learning environments, and overcome classroom challenges. She says, “The real joy comes from seeing teachers grow in their abilities—because when teachers thrive, students benefit most.”
One of her favorite traditions with staff is Cookies with the Coach, a casual time for teachers to stop by, chat about lesson plans, data, or just share ideas over cookies! When it comes to school traditions, Mrs. Carter’s favorite is the Egg Drop—a cherished event that began 31 years ago with her own third-grade teacher and mentor, Tracy Henderson. What started as a simple Boy Scout activity has become a rite of passage for students, blending creativity, teamwork, and the thrill of discovery as eggs are carefully engineered to survive a big fall!
Thank you, Mrs. Carter, for your commitment to helping teachers and students grow every single day! 🍪📚🥚🚀
🌟 Staff Spotlight: Kenzie Lang – Pre-K Paraprofessional at Suwannee Pineview Elementary 🌟
Meet Kenzie Lang, a dedicated and caring Pre-K paraprofessional entering her third year at Suwannee Pineview Elementary School! Kenzie was inspired to work in education by her love for working with young children and the influence of her aunt, who is also in the field. "I have always loved working with the younger group of children, and seeing how well my aunt does with her kids made me want to give other children the opportunity to have an amazing experience in school with learning opportunities," she shares.
What brings Kenzie the most joy in her role? "Seeing the kids' happy faces every day while working with them," she says with a smile. Her positivity and nurturing spirit help create a warm and encouraging classroom environment.
One of her favorite classroom traditions is comparing the students' photos from the first and last days of school to show just how much they've grown. "It’s a special way for parents to see how much their child has changed," she explains.
Kenzie also loves school-wide traditions, especially the fun and excitement of Homecoming Week dress-up days, when the whole school community comes together in spirit and creativity.
We’re lucky to have Ms. Lang as part of our Pineview family! 💛📸🎉
🌟 Teacher Spotlight: Stacia Hewett – Third Grade Teacher 🌟
Meet Stacia Hewett, a dedicated and passionate third grade teacher who has been shaping young minds for the past ten years. From an early age, Mrs. Hewett knew she wanted to be in education. "I have always loved the school environment—full of learning and wonder," she shares. That sense of curiosity and joy continues to drive her every day in the classroom.
What does Mrs. Hewett love most about teaching? "I love building relationships with students and creating lasting memories." Her classroom is a place where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow.
One of her favorite classroom traditions is hatching chicks, a project that brings science to life and sparks excitement in her students. "I have so many favorites," she says, "but hatching chicks is always a very exciting project."
Outside the classroom, her favorite school-wide tradition is the PE Pacers program. "I absolutely love the PE Pacers program because it celebrates another skill that may be a strength for some students."
We’re grateful to have such a caring and enthusiastic educator like Mrs. Hewett on our team! 🐣📚❤️
🌟 Teacher Spotlight: Shannon White 🌟
Meet Shannon White, 4th grade math and science teacher who has been making a difference in education for 25 years! 👩🏫✨
Shannon was inspired to become a teacher because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of students—and she’s done just that every single day. 💛
"I love spending time with the kids every day, hearing their different stories, and seeing their eyes light up when they understand a concept they’ve been struggling with," she shares. Moments like these are what fuel her passion for teaching!
✅ Favorite Classroom Activity/Tradition: Greeting her students each morning as she picks them up from their waiting areas—starting the day with a smile and connection.
✅ Favorite School Tradition: While it may not be a “tradition,” Shannon loves the first week back to school, when she gets to reconnect with her amazing work family.
We’re so lucky to have Ms. White as part of our school community. Thank you for your dedication, heart, and the difference you make every day! 💙🍎 #TeacherSpotlight #ThankATeacher #DifferenceMaker
Meet Shannon White, 4th grade math and science teacher who has been making a difference in education for 25 years! 👩🏫✨
Shannon was inspired to become a teacher because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of students—and she’s done just that every single day. 💛
"I love spending time with the kids every day, hearing their different stories, and seeing their eyes light up when they understand a concept they’ve been struggling with," she shares. Moments like these are what fuel her passion for teaching!
✅ Favorite Classroom Activity/Tradition: Greeting her students each morning as she picks them up from their waiting areas—starting the day with a smile and connection.
✅ Favorite School Tradition: While it may not be a “tradition,” Shannon loves the first week back to school, when she gets to reconnect with her amazing work family.
We’re so lucky to have Ms. White as part of our school community. Thank you for your dedication, heart, and the difference you make every day! 💙🍎 #TeacherSpotlight #ThankATeacher #DifferenceMaker
🎨🐙 After an exciting visit to Marineland, our students got creative with a fun follow-up activity! They painted salt pictures of jellyfish, using vibrant colors and textures to bring their underwater inspiration to life. Such a great way to combine science, art, and imagination! 🌊🖌️ #MarinelandMemories #CreativeLearning #UnderTheSea #21stCenturyFun
Field Trip Fun! 🤩 🌞
😎 🐬 Our 21st Century Summer Program students had an amazing time at Marineland this past week! They loved exploring the wonders of marine life and learning about dolphins, sea turtles, and more! 💦 🐚
#SummerLearning
#FieldTripFun
#MarinelandAdventures
#21stCenturyProgram
#STEMLearning
📚☀️ The 21st Century Summer Program is off to a fantastic start! Our students are diving into fun and learning with visits to the library, hands-on STEM activities, and a bit of academic enrichment to keep those minds sharp. We’re excited for all the adventures and growth this summer has in store! #SummerLearning #21stCenturyProgram #STEMFun #ReadingRocks
🌟 Staff Spotlight Summer Series 🌟
Now that you've had a chance to meet our amazing new staff members, it's time to shine a light on some familiar faces! Over the summer, we’ll be spotlighting staff members who have been part of the SPE family for several years.
Some you may already know and love, and others you might just be meeting for the first time. Either way, we’re excited to celebrate the dedication and heart our veteran staff bring to SPE every day.
Stay tuned each week as we highlight the incredible people who help make our school so special! 💙📚🍎
#SPESpotlight #SPEFamily #TeacherAppreciation #StaffSpotlight
📚🍎 Welcome to Pineview Elementary! 🍎📚
We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Kim Gurley as our new 4th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher at Suwannee Pineview Elementary School!
Mrs. Gurley brings 22 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for education. She shared that “teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do—I love the ability to have a positive impact in the lives of children.”
Her favorite part of the job? Watching her students grow, achieve their goals, and become confident learners. One of her favorite ways to start the school year is by spending time getting to know each student and building strong, meaningful relationships.
We’re excited to have Mrs. Gurley join our Pineview family. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome! 💙
🌟 Welcome to Pineview Elementary! 🌟
We are excited to welcome Maddie Gurley as our new 2nd grade teacher at Suwannee Pineview Elementary School!
With 3 years of experience in education, Maddie was inspired to become a teacher by “my love of working with children and knowing I can make a difference in their lives.”
What she loves most about her job is helping students grow and succeed every day. She especially enjoys hands-on activities that allow students to show their knowledge and understanding in creative ways.
When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find Maddie spending time with her family, reading, or working on fun crafts.
Please join us in giving Maddie Gurley a warm Pineview welcome! 💙🍎
🌟 Hi everyone! My name is Molly Wynn, and I am thrilled to be teaching first grade at Pineview Elementary this fall! I recently graduated with my master’s in Elementary Education from Florida State University, and I can’t wait to bring my passion and knowledge into the classroom.
🐄🐐 I’m an animal lover — especially goats and cows — and in my free time, I enjoy fishing, spending time with my family, being outdoors, and taking care of my animals. I’m also a big fan of organizing and cleaning!
💛 I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of my students. I look forward to advocating for each of them and helping them learn, grow, and thrive in first grade!
