Hi, everyone! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Mrs. Kristina McKenna, and I am looking forward to being your teacher for this 2007-2008 school year. Since we will be spending the next 10 months together, I would like to give you some background about me, both personal and professional.

I was born and raised on Staten Island, New York. My parents, sister, brother, and niece still live there, so I get to visit often. Although I spent most of my life on Staten Island, I ventured off to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to obtain my bachelor’s of arts degree in Elementary Education from King’s College. While at King’s College I continued my long time love of .22 rifle target shooting. My most memorable experiences there were shooting a perfect score at National’s and student teaching in third grade!

Once I graduated from King’s College, I returned home to begin my teaching career. My first position was as a preschool teacher. Although I loved the children and the staff, the salary was barely paying my bills. The thought of teaching in NYC schools did not appeal to me personally. Therefore, I decided to apply for a position as a kindergarten teacher at St. Patrick’s School, a local Staten Island Catholic school. I was granted the position and shaped the minds of five year olds for three years. During this time, I pursued my master’s of science degree in Elementary Education from the College of Staten Island. After those three years, I was promoted to second grade!

Sadly, my time at St. Patrick’s was limited to four years. During the summer of 1997, I met Bruce McKenna. We decided to get married the following summer. Since my husband was from Rhode Island and owned a small lumber business, it was only reasonable that I would be the one who would relocate.

Starting over in the teaching profession was difficult for me. I worked part-time as a literacy teacher for one year and supplemented that experience by being a substitute teacher. After that one year, I finally landed a position as a sixth grade teacher at Blackrock School in Coventry, Rhode Island. For the past 9 years, I have been employed with the Coventry School District, but for the past seven years I have been a fourth grade teacher at Blackrock School.

In addition to being a classroom teacher, I have also been a cooperating teacher for Rhode Island College students, was on several committees during my time at Blackrock School, including the school climate committee, math committee, Teacher Support Team, and mentoring committee. I also facilitate a master's level course through the University of Phoenix On-line Program.

My husband and I are the proud parents of a son born October 2003. I also have 4 wonderful dogs and 2 finicky cats to occupy any spare time that I have. My husband and I enjoy skiing and traveling within the United States and abroad.

Entering into my fifteenth year in the teaching profession, I am looking forward to this new journey at Western Coventry Elementary School.