Meet Ms. Karo

  Teaching has always been a big part of my life, dating way back to when I dressed up and "played" teacher in my bedroom with my chalkboard!  I have always loved school, and the teachers that I have had throughout my life have greatly influenced me in my career!  My classroom is like my second home, and my goal is to create a nurturing, challenging, encouraging, and inspirational environment for all of my students!

     I graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1994.  St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia became my next home and I lived my next four years as a Hawk on Hawk Hill!  I started my college career at St. Joe's in education, however, switched to Food Marketing as I had an opportunity to study and learn about new product development and the business world.  I graduated in 1998 with a BS in Food Marketing, and began my career in Philadelphia shortly following graduation.  Shortly thereafter, I sought after my dream of becoming a teacher, and enrolled at Kutztown University in a post-baccalaureate program in elementary education.  I was lucky enough through this program to student teach at Shoemaker School!  I immediately knew that this school would have a special place in my heart - and here I am - 24 years later!  I graduated the program, began to sub in surrounding districts, and was offered a maternity leave in third grade!  That adventure grew into a contract and I have been teaching in the district ever since!  I have taught third, fourth, and fifth grades here at Shoemaker School.

     I have one son, Keegan, who attends Allentown Central Catholic High School, and is starting his SENIOR YEAR! He has played basketball, and loves to run track!  We have been very busy this past summer visiting colleges and making big decisions! Keegan and I also have FIVE (yes, FIVE!) kitties that we rescued from Feline Urban Rescue & Rehab (FURR) in Easton, PA! Their names are Colby Jack, Feta (brother and sister), Creamsicle Binx (aka "Little Guy"), Phoebe Jane, and Miss Mac. We love them to pieces and they make our home very happy! Family is super important to us! The memories created with family are priceless! 

     Some of my most favorite things are: cooking, spending time with family, going to concerts, the colors pink and orange, lemons, cacti/succulents, glitter/sparkles, shopping, Netflix, Jason Bateman, Stranger Things, Dunkin' Donuts French Vanilla Iced Coffee, Starbucks, Crumbl Cookies, reality TV, writing, roller coasters, listening to music, baking, gardening, going to the beach/boardwalk and just making the most out of every day! I'm excited to spend my days with you as we grow and learn together! 

     As your teacher, some traits that I value are kindness, hard work, honesty, respect, and a positive attitude.  We work hard each and every day in our classroom, and my expectation is that you come ready to learn and do your very best! Staying focused on your learning and goals will foster growth in many different ways. I am excited to see this growth and your motivation as you progress! Don't blink! Our fifth grade year will go very quickly together! Hang on for the ride!