Welcome!!  My name is Kelli Symonds and I teach 1st grade.  It's been a fast and ever changing journey in education as I begin my 27th year of teaching this year.  I still can't imagine doing anything else!  I grew up in Nebraska!  Yes, go Huskers!! I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in psychology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1989.  I then began my teaching career in Nebraska teaching first grade for 6 years.  During that time I also earned my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1995 at Doane College in Lincoln Nebraska.  That was a busy year because I also got married to my husband Brent and moved to Overland Park,  Kansas.

Upon first coming to Kansas, I worked as a first grade teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District for 10 years. I then started at Cedar Hills in 2006.  Upon first entering, I taught kindergarten, 2nd grade and am starting my 8th year in first grade here. I love first grade and all the excitement and love for learning they have.  With starting my 11th year at Cedar Hills I still love this school and am very excited to start another great year with my firsties.

My husband Brent and I have two beautiful children.  Our daughter Lexi, who is at Blue Valley West as a sophomore, and our son Braxton, who is in middle school at Pleasant Ridge in 7th grade.  They keep me very busy.  Both are very active in school and out of school with many athletic activities.  Outside of school, if I am not attending a ball game of some sort, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, walking, playing golf, reading, swimming, and just being outside.  Most of all I enjoy spending time with family and friends, but being at school with my students is also at the top of my list.

I am so excited to start another year with my firsties and help them to grow and develop.  I am looking forward to spending the year learning and growing with you as well!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Snacks:  Anything chocolate but trying to be better! :)

Sports Teams:  Any my kids play on, Husker Football, Cheifs Football, Royals and KU Basketball

Drinks:  Pepsi and Stawberry Limeade

Season:  Summer

Activities:  Playing Volleyball and Excercising