District Directory

All students come to explore, perform, and enjoy the world of music. Students learn basic music theory, demonstrate their knowledge by playing many kinds of instruments, and perform their talents through a concert format. We strive to have all of our students feel successful in developing not only musical skills but also a lifelong appreciation of music.

Hello! My name is Allie Bohnhoff and I am thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten at Jefferson! Before teaching kindergarten, I taught fifth, sixth, and fourth grades. I graduated from Illinois State University in 2011, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. My endorsements are in Language Arts, Reading, Science, and Spanish. I returned to ISU and earned my master's degree in Reading in 2016. 
When not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our little boy, Wyatt. We have two dogs that keep us busy and entertained! I love to read, write, visit with family and friends, and be outside in my spare time.

Mission for the Class 
I believe in a classroom where students are excited to share what they are learning and how it connects with their life. I believe in a classroom where students' questions and inquiries guide learning, so much of what we do will have real-world contexts and involve hands-on experiences. Kindergarten is such an exciting time for children and my goal is to foster that excitement throughout the year and in the years to come! Finally, I truly believe that a successful school experience requires collaboration between students, teachers, parents, families, and community members. For this reason, we invite you to join us throughout the year to see the learning we are engaged in for yourself! And we'll be taking the learning out beyond the walls of our classroom, too! It's going to be a great year! 

About the Teacher
I am married with two wonderful children. My wife,  Kerry, works in the music department of Morton High School. I have two children, Kyle and Darby. 

Fourth grade is a wonderful transitional year. The students get to come upstairs with the big kids for the first time. With that privilege, come more responsibilities. I expect great things from my students and push them to develop skills and attitudes that will allow them to be succesful students, as well as successful citizens throughout their lifetimes.

Students are encouraged to become much more independent during this year. It becomes their responsibility to turn work in on time and in the right places. Their assignment books should be filled out on a daily basis.

New academic topics include learning about our United States: the regions, states, and capitals. We have units on sound, light, animals, recycling, rocks and minerals, and states of matter in science. Our biggest math goal in 4th grade is long division. Once they figure that one out, they feel like they have really accomplished something.

Learning how to play recorders, preparing for a music program, and going on various fieldtrips are just a few more highlights in 4th grade.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick earned her bachelors degree in music education from Bradley University and her masters in music education from Illinois State University. Along with directing the MJHS bands, she is the woodwind instructor for the MHS marching band.


Mission for the Class

To develop and enhance a musical community through independent musicianship, music performance, and music appreciation.

I am thrilled to be working here at Jefferson as the crossing guard and recess aide.  Jefferson was home to my three children.  It is a great school and I am looking forward to a great year as a part of the Jefferson staff.

Crystal Lohnes came to Morton 709 to bring the food services home. After decades of paying food service providers, she came on board to intentionally build a meal program that students and staff can look forward to in the middle of the school day. She is building menus as she builds a food services team. She would love to hear what your students look forward to the most.

Hello! My name is Ashley Sarver and I am very excited to be teaching third grade at Jefferson Elementary School. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University. I am very happy to be working with such great individuals in Morton. In my free time I enjoy traveling and have spent four months studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I also enjoy running and spending time with my family and friends. It is a great privilege to work with such an amazing student body and my hope is that when students leave my class, they have developed important character traits, such a respectfulness and responsibility, and have met the high academic standards that are set for them- and had fun while doing so!