Hi, my name is Kellie Fillman.  I have been teaching in Des Moines since 1984.  I received my undergraduate teaching degree in 1982 from Central University in Pella, Iowa.  In 1999, I earned my masters in education from Viterbo University.  I have been teaching fifth grade since 1984.

It is my belief that all children can learn. It is my goal to create a productive learning environment in my classroom.  Creating this optimum environment begins with good classroom management. In order for a child to learn, he or she must feel safe to take risks and try new things.

I strive for each child to develop a hunger for learning. I work to present the educational material through a variety of different techniques and learning styles. Classroom instruction includes music, drama, hands on, oral instruction, video, projects, and more.

I look forward to getting to know you and your student!

My name is Kenessa Jones, and I’m so excited to have your student in my class. I am eager to meet you, and to partner with you on your child’s educational journey! After teaching everything from kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as supporting high school

teachers this past year, I am joining Lovejoy Elementary to teach fifth grade. While this will be my first year at Lovejoy, it will be my twelfth year in the classroom, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

A few of my goals are to engage, challenge, and inspire growth in my students. I will do this by creating an environment of mutual respect and a sense of community. Our classroom is hands-on and designed to meet children where they are. I believe in challenging children when appropriate, but also providing supports needed for them to feel success.

I hold myself to the same standards that I hold my students. That is, I strive to become a skilled thinker and learner, and I believe that this process is life-long. Balance and a growth mindset are often critical to our success—both as young learners and adult professionals. With that said, I encourage my students to find the things in life that they’re passionate about, and that bring them joy. You may notice that a lot of the stories I share in the classroom revolve around traveling, music, and working on the farm, as those are the passions I’ve cultivated for myself over the years.

I look forward to getting to know you and your student during the course of the school year, and embracing opportunities for growth as well as celebrating our successes during the months ahead of us!

Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions, comments, or concerns. I hope to work with you to create independent learners to ensure a seamless transition to middle school.

Sharing in the Journey,

Miss Jones