Teachers:

Mrs. Marla Carlson:
After graduating from Ball State University, I taught for three years in Jimtown and one year in Michigan. Upon returning to Nappanee I did substitute teaching and also worked in a bank. Having taught for twenty years in Nappanee Elementary has been a joy. I am now teaching children whose parents I taught in first grade at South Elementary.

My husband Russ and I are the proud parents of five boys and one girl. Our oldest son Andy has his own business in New Paris, Mark works for Chrysler in Kokomo, Ken is a graduate assistant at Purdue, Mike has cerebral palsy and lives with assisted living in Mishawaka, Nic is in Mechanical Engineering at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne, and Ashli is a senior at Fairfield planning to go to college with a pre-med major. We have two wonderful grandchildren: Olivia 4 and Justin 3 months old. When we have a family gathering it is at our farm north of Syracuse where we raise beef cattle and Ashli works with her 4-H steers for Beef Club. We enjoy going to cattle shows throughout the year with Ashli, fishing, and visiting our grandchildren in Kokomo.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at mcarlson@wanee.org.

Mrs. Wendy Grady:
I was given the privilege to begin teaching at Nappanee Elementary in 2005. I have taught first grade all three years. It is amazing to see the independence that the children gain during their first grade year. I attended Wa-Nee Community Schools until I graduated from NorthWood High School. I attended Purdue University in West Lafayette where I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

I was married in 2004 and currently live in North Webster. In the spring of 2007 I had my first child, Carter. It is wonderful to see him learn and grow each day.

I am thankful for the opportunity I have been given to teach your child the skills that they will need to successful individual in our community.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at wgrady@wanee.org.

Teachers:

Mrs. Krystalynn Gross:
In 2006 I was given the privilege of beginning my teaching career at Nappanee Elementary. I have taught kindergarten for the past two years. It is amazing to see the growth that the children have during their year in kindergarten! They learn and grow so much in a short amount of time. I am also teaching Reading Recovery this year. I spend my afternoons working on reading and writing skills with first graders. I enjoy the time that I am able to spend one on one with these students. It is so fun to see them continually grow as readers and writers!

In 2002 I graduated from NorthWood High School and later graduated from Grace College with my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I am married to Pat Gross. We currently live in Goshen and love spending time outdoors with our golden retriever, Bailey. Also, in my free time, I enjoy coaching the freshman cheerleading team at NorthWood High School.

Parent involvement is an important part of a child's education. Never hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas that you have. Feel free to email me at kgross@wanee.org.

Mrs. Suzie Slocum:
I have been blessed to be a part of the Nappanee Elementary Family for the past eight years. I received my Bachelor in Education from Goshen College. My husband Kim and I live on Dewart Lake. We have four children, one in elementary and three in high school. In my spare time I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends. We enjoy snowmobling in the winter and boating in the summer.

In my classroom I love empowering children to become self-sufficient young students. Through the use of life skills and Bulldog Basics, students learn to be both responsible and compassionate individuals. My classroom curriculum is both Standard and Literacy based.

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me at sslocum@wanee.org.

Assistants: