Hi! My name is Kelly Bland and I am thrilled for the opportunity to learn with your child this year in first grade! I love watching the growth that students show over the course of the year in first grade.

This will be my second year teaching and I feel so lucky to work at such an amazing school like Lake Murray Elementary School. I grew up attending Lexington/Richland School District Five schools. I went to River Springs Elementary School and Ballentine Elementary School when it was built. I went to Dutch Fork Middle School and graduated from Dutch Fork High School. I graduated from the University of South Carolina (Go Cocks!) with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. I had the privilege of student teaching in first grade in District Five! I was also able to gain experience substituting in the district while in college. I am currently continuing my education in the Language and Literacy Masters Program at USC as well. I love learning and growing as a teacher to help serve students in every way possible.

When I am not teaching or taking graduate classes, I enjoy spending time with my mom (who is a teacher in d5 too!), dad, older brother Kevin, and friends! I also have three sweet dachshund puppies (Copper, Coco and Cooper). I have always had a love for dance and spent 16 years of my life dancing on a competitive team. I also love going to the beach and cheering on the Gamecocks!

I am looking forward to a wonderful year in first grade with your child! Please call or email me with any questions or with anything you need at all!! ☺

Email: kfbland@lexrich5.org