3rd Grade

Hello! I am so happy to be helping your child continue his/her journey to become the best person he/she can be both socially and academically. 3rd Grade is such a huge jump from 2nd. This is the last year students learn to read and transfer into reading to learn. State testing starts in 3rd grade as well. Students learn to become responsible, self disciplined, and independent. Directions are no longer read to them. 3rd graders transition into reading directions themselves. Because of these changes, you will experience your child show a bit of growing pains this year. You will be amazed by how much they grow by the end of the 3rd grade school year!
I have been teaching for 20 years, am married and have raised two fine young men. We have always spent time outdoors, and when I am not teaching that is where you will find my husband and e. I hope you take the time to feel comfortable to reach out throughout the year as needed. You will find I am always available. Here's to a wonderful year!

I am Yuraima Rodriguez and I am part of the 3rd Grade team at OJN. I was born in Venezuela and I spent more than 14 years in Spain. I have two nationalities (Venezuelan and Spanish). I started to work as a Spanish Teacher at OJN in October 2020. My experience in the Education field is various and enriching, working as a teacher in different countries (Venezuela, Spain, and the US) for more than 20 years in different grades and levels, from Elementary all the way to University. I got married during the Summer 2021 with a wonderful gentleman named Freddy Flores, and we live in Wabash and are happy to be part of this community.
I received my Bachelors Degree as an Elementary Teacher in the Simon Rodriguez University and a Master's Degree in Education in the Bicentenary of Argue University (both in Venezuela). After that I went to Spain to continue learning and I received a Master's Degree as Intercultural Educator in the Autonomy University of Barcelona and PHD in Sciences of Education in the Autonomy University of Madrid.

Hello! I am married to Jason Fry, and we have two children, Bennett and Elli. I began teaching at OJ Neighbours in 2019. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan in 2008. I worked with at-risk youth at White's until we had our son and then I stayed home for five years. I then worked as the Director of Youth Development at the YMCA until coming to OJN. 
I believe that children, like all people, learn in many different ways. I strive to reach all of their needs by teaching, modeling, and assessing in many different ways. Relationships are my first priority and I believe that true learning takes place after mutual trust is built.

3rd Grade is often thought of as a big jump year. Students will go from learning to read to reading to learn. They will go from simple computation to multi-step mathematical equations. Students begin State Standardized testing in 3rd Grade. Because of these big shifts, we also take time to continue to learn how to get along with others, to be a kind friend, to play fairly, to try new things, and to fail without giving up.

Welcome to 3rd Grade! I am Mrs. Grove and I am so excited to start our year together! This is my 10th year of teaching and my 3rd year in 3rd Grade. It's going to be a GREAT year!
Teaching is my passion and I feel that translates into classroom atmosphere. I believe we are all part of a team when it comes to these kiddos' educations and I look forward to working with you. I have been married to my husband, Nick, for 9 years. Together we have two pretty great kids. Lindsey is 8 and will be in 2nd Grade this year. Henry is 6 and will be in 1st Grade. We have a small zoo at home including 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a lizard. My St. Bernard, Murphy, is like my 3rd child though!
I had the unique experience of growing up in Albuquerque, NM. I started my undergraduate degree at the University of New Mexico where I bounced around majors before deciding to go into education (Which was also my original major!). My heart was always in Indiana though and I later transfer to Indiana University Kokomo to continue my education. I spent the last two years of college there and I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Education in 2013. I got my first teaching job that fall teaching 1st Grade at Pipe Creek Elementary School. I stayed there for 6 years before coming to work at WCS! 

Hello! I Am Keri Mertz, and I am 40 years old. I currently live in North Manchester with 3 of my children. My son Tristin is 21 and lives in Des Moines, Garrett is 19, Jaydenn is 10, and my daughter Madalyn is 12. They keep me busy. We love spending time together outdoors or in the kitchen! I was born and raised in Wabash, and spent most of my adult life in Northern California as a stay at home Mom. 
I attended Santa Rosa Jr. College and Western Governor's University. I received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, and have been with WCS for 4 years. 

I am looking forward to having your child as a student! Third grade is such a fun year with so many wonderful learning activities to celebrate. In order to have a fun year, my most important goal is to create a family of learners in my classroom. I am committed to creating a classroom environment where your child is a valued, trusted, and integral part of our family of learners!