Mrs. Whalen

 Welcome to First Grade!! 

I am so excited to have your child in my class.  I have been anxiously waiting to meet you all.  

  Let me take a minute to introduce myself.  My name is Melissa “Missy” Whalen and I have been teaching at Southport Elementary since 2013.  I absolutely love this school!  All three of my children attended Southport Elementary.   My husband is also an educator who works at South Brunswick Middle School teaching 6th grade Social Studies. 

I became an educator in 1995 after graduating from ECU.  I was trained in Reading Recovery in 1999 and have taught first grade for over 19 years.  I am passionate about teaching and I see myself as a lifelong learner.  Last year I was honored with being named Brunswick County’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year.  

My hope is to foster a classroom environment in which all students feel safe and loved.  I am a very positive individual and I hope to instill this same positive attitude in your child as well as other important traits such as; responsibility, respect,  perseverance,  and kindness.  All students will be expected to work hard and make good choices towards their behavior.   Our learning will sky rocket when we focus on being good citizens, organized, leaders and show determination.   Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns you have. 

Sincerely,

        Missy Whalen                         mwhalen@bcswan.net