Hello! My name is Rachel Morelli. This is my 8th year teaching.  I taught Kindergarten for 7 years and this is my 1st year in First Grade here at Oaks Road Academy! I have thoroughly enjoyed looping up with my kiddos to see how much more they continue to grow.  For those of you that are new to my class.. Welcome and I am so glad to have you be a part of our Room 31 family.  Here is a little information I would like to share about myself.

Education:   I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University in 2009 and my master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2011.  I was involved in an Early Literacy Research Project through East Carolina University for guided reading from 2015-2017.  I had the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia the past few summers to participate in AVID Training.  I am excited to be the AVID Site Coordinator and to bring the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program to Oaks Road.  Once a learner, Always a learner!

Favorites: 
Candy - Tootsie Roll
Vacation Spot - Kauai, Hawaii (Take me back!!)
Place - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sports Teams - Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Pittsburgh Pirates!
Color - Green
Book - Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss
Subject in School - Math
Food - Pepperoni Pizza

Family:  I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  My family moved to Morehead City, NC and my parents still live there.  I am 1 of 2 children.  I have an older brother who lives in Wilmington, NC.  I have a pet cat named Miss Boots, who is the sweetest kitty and your children will hear a lot about!

I am engaged to be married soon, have an almost step-daughter who just started kindergarten, and I am expecting a little boy to make his appearance at the beginning of March!  Lots of exciting things happening in my world and I'm sure the kiddos know (and have told you) all about it!