My name is Kelly Kirk and I have been teaching for twenty four years, twenty of them at Wakefield Elementary with ALL twenty four years in kindergarten.  I attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology.  My husband's name is Brandon and we have two boys: Brayden (14) and Carter (10).  Brayden will be attending Wakefield High School and starting 9th grade in the fall while Carter will be starting 5th grade here at Wakefield.  We have the sweetest Cavapoo puppy named Riley!  She will be 4 years old in December. It has been a joy having her join our family!  I enjoy being outside with my boys, riding my Peloton bike, reading and watching reality television.  When I am not teaching, I enjoy going to the Hurricanes hockey games, cheering on the Carolina Tar Heels, and spending time with my family and friends.  The growth children experience in kindergarten lays the foundation of learning that I feel lucky to be a part of each year.