Hello Parents, Welcome to 1st Grade! My name is Ms.Whalen and I am excited to be joining the 1st grade team at Ann Smith Elementary. I am thrilled to be your teacher and looking forward to a year of learning and fun adventures! I can't wait to learn all about you but first, let me tell you a little about me.

I was born and raised in Madison, MS. I went through the Madison County School District and graduated from MCHS in 2007. I went to Holmes Community College followed by Jackson State University. I am a graduate of Thee Jackson State University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education K-3. While I am new to this district, I am not new to the profession. I taught preschool for 16 years and was recently an assistant teacher for 1 year. Teaching and working with children is such a joy to me! I hope that during this year I will excite your child about the world of learning and expand their academic interests. 

I live in Ridgeland with my daughter, Aubrey Kaye (8), and our dog Tinkerbell. We love our Titans!!! I am looking forward to working with you and getting to know your child and helping them succeed in their education and participation during their school day! I am so excited about being your child's teacher this year.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email or call me. We are going to have an amazing year!