Meet the Team
Welcome to the kindergarten team! We are indeed a team and love working with each other! We plan together and spend time together to create the best education we can for your child. Together we have many, many years of experience! We love teaching kindergarten and cannot wait to learn more about your children! We look forward to having you on our team this year!
Ms. Audette I am a graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. I am originally from Illinois. My best memory of kindergarten is that the teacher played the piano and we sang songs. I have three grown children and 7 grandchildren. I enjoy cycling, reading and being outdoors. Here’s to a great year!
Mrs. Blanton I was born in Lakeland, Florida. I attended high school at Kathleen and earned my teaching degree from Florida Southern. Go Mocs! Since Florida Southern doesn’t have a football team……. Go Gators. My family includes my husband, two sons, a daughter and one grandchild. My favorite things to do are cooking, watching NASCAR and gardening. I have been here at Sikes Elementary since 1995, and have taught ESE Pre-K, Kindergarten and Second grade. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone!
Mrs. Flick I graduated from Southeastern University with my degrees in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education. When I am not at school, or working on school projects, I like to craft, cook, run, spend time with my husband and our furry daughter, Galilea (our mini lop rabbit), go on bike rides, and cheer on the Florida Gators!
Mrs. Mathis I graduated from the University of South Florida Polytechnic with a degree in elementary education. Outside of school, I coach a competitive dance team and I like to run. I also like to cheer on the Florida Gators and Green Bay Packers! I am a proud mother of a two-year old daughter named Makenna. I am looking forward to a great year in kindergarten!
Mrs. Qualls I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University. I have a degree in Elementary Education. I'm originally from Chicago and have been living in Lakeland for the past 23 years. When I'm not in school, I enjoy going to the movies and out to eat with my husband and three children. I also enjoy watching sports, especially football, with the Gators, Bucs, and Chicago Bears being my favorite teams.
Mrs. Rush I am a graduate of Florida State University. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Mathematics Education. When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and hiking with my husband. I love going to football games, especially Florida State games. Go Noles!!
Ms. Simons I am a University of Florida graduate, Go Gators! I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, K-6. I also received my Master's degree from UF with a specialization in math and science. In 6th grade, I decided I wanted to be a teacher and I am loving that decision! I enjoy time spent in the classroom! When I'm not at school, I enjoy running, baking, and traveling!
**If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail your child's teacher by clicking on their name above or you may call the school at 863-648-3525 and we will get back with you as soon as possible!
Mrs. Blanton I was born in Lakeland, Florida. I attended high school at Kathleen and earned my teaching degree from Florida Southern. Go Mocs! Since Florida Southern doesn’t have a football team……. Go Gators. My family includes my husband, two sons, a daughter and one grandchild. My favorite things to do are cooking, watching NASCAR and gardening. I have been here at Sikes Elementary since 1995, and have taught ESE Pre-K, Kindergarten and Second grade. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone!
Mrs. Flick I graduated from Southeastern University with my degrees in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education. When I am not at school, or working on school projects, I like to craft, cook, run, spend time with my husband and our furry daughter, Galilea (our mini lop rabbit), go on bike rides, and cheer on the Florida Gators!
Mrs. Mathis I graduated from the University of South Florida Polytechnic with a degree in elementary education. Outside of school, I coach a competitive dance team and I like to run. I also like to cheer on the Florida Gators and Green Bay Packers! I am a proud mother of a two-year old daughter named Makenna. I am looking forward to a great year in kindergarten!
Mrs. Qualls I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University. I have a degree in Elementary Education. I'm originally from Chicago and have been living in Lakeland for the past 23 years. When I'm not in school, I enjoy going to the movies and out to eat with my husband and three children. I also enjoy watching sports, especially football, with the Gators, Bucs, and Chicago Bears being my favorite teams.
Mrs. Rush I am a graduate of Florida State University. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Mathematics Education. When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and hiking with my husband. I love going to football games, especially Florida State games. Go Noles!!
Ms. Simons I am a University of Florida graduate, Go Gators! I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, K-6. I also received my Master's degree from UF with a specialization in math and science. In 6th grade, I decided I wanted to be a teacher and I am loving that decision! I enjoy time spent in the classroom! When I'm not at school, I enjoy running, baking, and traveling!
**If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail your child's teacher by clicking on their name above or you may call the school at 863-648-3525 and we will get back with you as soon as possible!