LES First Grade

This year will be my 18th year teaching since I returned to the classroom. Most of that time has been spent in First Grade which I love to teach! I have been teaching at Lewiston since 2006. I have been a certified teacher since March of 1979, but I took some years off to be a stay-at-home Mom. I homeschooled my own 4 children from 1988-2006. I have been married to George Dodgen, Jr. for 45 years this year. We had 4 wonderful children who are all adults now. Heather is 39 and married to Phillip Stanley. They have one child. Ashley is 35 and is married to Chris Rex. They just had their first child in August! My youngest son is 32, and he is married to Emily Mclean. They have 2 children so I am a grandmother to four. I love being a "Mimi"! My oldest son, George was killed in an automobile accident in 2009 when he was 27.

I love to cook, read, travel, and be with my grandchildren!

I have a BS Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University, and I have an MS Degree in Elementary Reading and Math from Walden University. I also have my gifted endorsement and my reading endorsement I am excited about the coming year and being back in the classroom with my fabulous first graders!

Krysta Pemberton

Ms. Pemberton's Page

I am so excited to be teaching First Grade this year! This year is my 13th year in education. I have also taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, and was a computer lab teacher. I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and master's specialist degrees from Augusta University. I am Reading and Gifted endorsed as well as Regular and Special Education certified. I love First Grade because I love seeing children grow in their reading skills. I also love seeing students gain friendships and learn to love school during first grade. I have four adult children and one granddaughter who is about to turn three. I love to cook, work out , travel with family, and do yoga. I am looking forward to working with you and your student this year.

Tina Hammond

Mrs. Hammond's Page

This is my 18th year teaching in Columbia County, but my first year at Lewiston. I am so excited to be here. I have spent most of my teaching career in first grade because I love it so much!

I graduated from both Converse College and The Medical University of SC with Bachelor of Science degrees. I also earned my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Converse College. I taught in both North and South Carolina before coming to Columbia County in 2006. I completed my Gifted Endorsement in 2013. I completed my Specialist in Education with a major in Advanced Educational Studies at Augusta University in December, 2020.

My husband, Barry, is a professor at The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. We have one daughter, Amanda, who recently got married and is also a teacher in Columbia County. We have one cat, Tommen. I enjoy writing and telling stories about him. I enjoy spending time with my family and playing the flute.

I can't wait to see how much we will learn and grow together this year!

Shanda LaPointe

This is my fifth year teaching, before I became a Lewiston Lion I taught fourth grade at Lake Forest Hills in Richmond County and prior to that I taught first grade in McDuffie County. I have my Masters in Teaching from Augusta University. Before becoming a certified teacher I worked at a substitute teacher, a paraprofessional, and a tutor.

I am originally from the Harlem area, but I lived in Boston for four years after I graduated from Augusta University (A.K.A Augusta State) with my bachelors in History. I am married to Mr. LaPointe and we have an eleven year old son, one dog, and four cats. I love to read, cook, swim, and going camping/hiking, going to the beach, and traveling! One of my great loves is coffee and my students quickly learn that Mrs. LaPointe needs her coffee :)!

I am excited to be back in first grade and look forward to watching my students flourish as learners and citizens!

Jazmine Rawls

Hello! I am excited to have your child in my class this year! I have been teaching for 10 years. I have previously taught Pre-K, 3rd, and 4th grade. Teaching is a great love and passion of mine. I love seeing students reach their academic goals, grow, and learn.

I received my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University. I graduated with my Masters in Instruction from Augusta State University. I also hold my gifted and reading endorsement.

Favorites: online shopping, iced coffee, milk chocolate, Mexican food, love watching movies/tv shows on Netflix and Hulu, my favorite color is blue and orange, and love myself a nice cold A&W Root Beer!

Parent communication is very important to me. Your child is apart of our classroom family! Class Dojo and email will be available for you to send any information, questions, or concerns you may have. A digital weekly news update will be posted to Class dojo to remind you of upcoming events in the classroom and school.

Sarah Pickens

Welcome to first grade! I am so excited to have your child in my class this year! I have been teaching for 4 1/2 years. I have taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. First grade is my favorite grade and the best grade!

I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Augusta University. Currently, I am pursuing my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Originally, I am from Ohio! This is my 10th year living in Georgia. In my spare time, I love to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with family, travel, read and craft! I have two dogs that keep me very busy.

I am looking forward to working with you and your student this year!

Mrs. Munro

Hey there! My name is Mrs. Munro and I am so excited to be your child's first grade teacher this year! This will be my 11th year teaching. I absolutely love what I do and first grade has had my heart for the last ten years of my career.

My husband and I have a six year old son and a little girl who is now two. In my spare time, I love to draw and spend time with my family.

I can’t wait to learn about your child and spend the next year learning and growing together!