First Grade

I am so very excited about this year and the years to come at Southbury Elementary School.  What a privilege it is to be a part of a new school community!  I am looking forward to meeting all the new families that will now call Southbury home.  For those of you who don’t know me, I will be starting my 20^th year of teaching this fall.  It’s hard to believe, because I really don’t feel that old. :-)  I have been a 6^th, 3^rd, 2^nd, and 1^st grade teacher.  I have spent 9 years in first grade, and it is by far my favorite grade to teach.   I will be starting my 4^th year in District 308, but it feels like I have been here forever.  I received my B.S. degree in Elementary Education and my M.S. degree in Educational Leadership.  I am currently back in school learning new things to help me become an even better teacher.   
 

I moved to Illinois from California in the summer of 2005 to be closer to family.  My husband Jeff, daughter Karley, CoCo Puff the mixed terrier, and Cuppy the mini doxie all moved with me.  I will be the proud parent of a high school student this year as my daughter attends 9^th grade at Oswego High School.  Where does the time go?  When I’m not doing school work, I love to read long, historical novels, go out to dinner and the movies with my family, and take long walks.  I can’t start my morning without coffee, and I’m hooked on American Idol, Heroes, and Lost. 
 

I hope to be a memorable teacher in your child’s life.  It is my goal each year that every one of my students feels loved, cared for, appreciated for their uniqueness, and SUCCESSFUL no matter their skill level.   
 

Here’s to a wonderful 2008-2009 school year! 
 

Bethany Elliott 

Welcome Southbury Families! 
 

My name is Laura Miller.  I will be a first grade teacher at Southbury.  I am ecstatic to be a part of the Southbury Sharks team.  Together we will make Southbury a magnificent learning community.   
 

I graduated from Illinois State University in 2005 with an Elementary Education Degree.  Before coming to Oswego I completed three long term substitute positions in the St. Charles and Batavia school districts.  Two of the substitute positions were first grade.  In the 2007-2008 school year I had the wonderful opportunity to become a part of the Oswego Community School District and teach first grade at Fox Chase.  Now I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of the Southbury Sharks! 
 

I currently live in Oswego with my husband Josh and dog Reggie.  Reggie is a five year old Rat Terrier named after Reggie the Redbird (Go State!).  My husband and I both grew up in Batavia and are enjoying our new life in Oswego. 
 

When I’m not busy in my classroom you can usually find me outside reading a good book or walking Reggie.  In the colder months you might find me nestled up with another good book or knitting. 
 

I am very privileged to be working with your children this year.  I am looking forward to a Spectacular first year at Southbury!