Administration

Jennifer T. Gray, Principal

Credentials:

I am originally from Louisville, Kentucky (Go Cards!) and moved to Florida in 2003. As I begin my 11th year in Administration, I am so very fortunate to have been planted at Merrill Road Elementary School. I received my Bachelors of Science degree from Georgetown College and then completed all of my graduate work at the University of Louisville. I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, as well as an additional certification in Educational Leadership.

Teaching and Administrative Experience:

I began my teaching career as a First Grade Spanish Teacher in Hawkinsville, Georgia. I then moved back to Oldham County, Kentucky where I was raised and attended school. After teaching for several years at Crestwood Elementary School, I became an Assistant Principal at the same school. In 2003, our family moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida where I began the “Florida” chapter of my educational career.

Life Motto:

“Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.” John Wooden
We all must strive to do our best in every situation. As an educator, we must continue to find the best in ourselves and our students to continue to help raise them up and reach their goals. We all have hidden talents…the true gift arrives when we discover how to tap into those talents and unleash our full potential!

Hobbies:

School, Softball, School, Football, School, Volleyball, School, Baseball, School….and any other activity that my three children choose to become involved in! Our lives truly revolve around children – at Merrill Road Elementary, as well as at home.

Fun Facts:

I am a sports fanatic! Moving to an NFL franchise city in 2003 has been such a wonderful benefit to our relocation! I was raised in a state where college basketball “ruled,” very similar to the way in which I see college football guiding so many social calendars around here. Our family has truly embraced the area teams and has developed a passion for college football to go along with our love for basketball.

Cynthia Bartley, Assistant Principal

Credentials:

I received both my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and my Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville University.

Teaching and Administrative Experience:

I began my teaching career with the Duval County Public School system teaching fifth grade at Carter G. Woodson Elementary. I taught for two years, then became an Intermediate Literacy/Math Coach for one year. That year was followed by two years as a Standards Coach. Upon completion of my Masters I came to Merrill Road Elementary as an Assistant Principal and have been here since the 2006-2007 school year.

Biography:

I am my mother's only daughter and my father's "baby girl". I grew up in the home with three brothers, who if asked, would probably say that I am spoiled. I beg to differ!! Although I have no children of my own, when asked that question my response is usually. "Yes, I have about 600 of them." It's commonly said that, "teaching is a matter of the heart". My heart's desire is to do what is best for children. Everyday I am reminded of the impact I have on the life of a child. Therefore, I am careful with my words and deeds as I interact with them.

Life Motto:

My Life Motto is to do all that I do with "integrity". I am a firm believer that my words and my actions should line up with one another. Your character will speak for you long after you're unable to. I want to be remembered as a person of integrity.

Hobbies:

There's not much spare time in the day for me. Between my work at school, activities at church and the daily responsibilities of home the day is pretty well spent. I like to read and try to as much as time allows.

Fun Facts:

I am caring for a Pomeranian named Taz. He belongs to my niece, Avia. She recently moved to Japan, along with my brother and I was asked to take care of her dog. When Avia was here she did things like carry Taz around in a baby doll carrier or in a back pack. He liked it. I think he thought he was a baby. Now, anytime I walk through the door he hops up on two legs and continues to do so until I pick him up and carry him like a baby. That's his afternoon greeting, then he's okay.