My name is Jessica Yolanda Winston. I have lived everywhere from Heidelberg, Germany to Colorado Springs, Colorado. I was born in Ft. Bragg, NC. My mother is a Gulf War Veteran and is retired from the Army. My father passed away January 25, 2010 due to health complications from contracting Hepatitis C some 20 years ago. He ultimately died of liver cancer.  My mother is an ordained minister and she currently resides in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. I have a sister who is a Registered Nurse and a Brother-in-law who is a contractor. They live in Glenn Allen with my two nephews Chance (11) and Jimmy-Sayvion (8). I also have two God-Daughters, Jaida (6) and Amara (2). I love spending time with friends and family. I joined Faith and Family Church of Richmond, VA this summer and I absolutely love my new church home! I graduated from Chowan University in 2004 with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. I taught second grade for 2 years in Norfolk Public Schools. I relocated to Chesterfield and started teaching second grade at Harrowgate Elementary before redistricting led me to Scott Elementary. I began my 6th year of teaching in the Fall of 2009 and I have always taught second grade! More Facts about Ms. Winston...   My favorite colors are blue and pink.   I love Thanksgiving... this year my family ate Thanksgiving dinner at 11am! We couldn't wait any longer.   I live for Chinese Buffets, my sister and I try to splurge once a month.   Coldstone Cake Batter Ice Cream is the best ice cream in the world! One year my teammates from Harrowgate had a birthday ice cream cake made out of that for me... yummm!   Every night, before going to bed, I eat Hairbo Gummy Bears... it's a bad habit but at least they're fat free. I also love Candy Apples from the State Fair!   I pop popcorn in the classroom at least once a week.   I love every movie by Tyler Perry and I love his character Madea, I see myself being the "Madea" of my family when I get older.   I love to shop! Walmart, Target, Lakeshore Learning Store, any teacher store Ollies... oh how I love Ollies.   This summer I had the best time playing Rock Band with my cousin and friends while I was on vacation in Charlotte. We were "rockin' out!" until 3 am! I was the singer, mainly cause I didn't do to well on the drums, and my best performance was to the song "Living on a Prayer."    I am most proud of my website, I thank God for the vision and discipline to be able to be a resource to my students, their parents and other educators.   I genuinely love each one of my students as if they were my own, every afternoon we say goodbye with a Hug or a High 5.   I ultimately want to be a wife and mother. But until God blesses me with a husband, I will be content in being a daughter, sister, God-Mother, auntie, friend and educator.    Oh... and I'm Awesome... true story!