Kindergarten

Kathy Lodge

Team Leader

Teacher

Hello and welcome! I'm Mrs. Lodge, and I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful learning community. My husband and I are proud parents of four amazing children, and as a family, we love exploring new places, reading great books, and visiting museums together.

I have a deep passion for teaching, nurturing young minds, and making learning meaningful and fun. I also enjoy serving in my church and being active in my community.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Mississippi State University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching at Belhaven University to continue growing as an educator.

I believe every child has unique gifts, and I’m committed to helping each student discover their strengths and reach their full potential. I look forward to a fantastic school year filled with growth, curiosity, and joy!

Valaska Halcomb

Teacher

Hello! I’m so excited to be part of your child’s learning journey. I’m a proud wife and a foster mom to a sweet and energetic one-year-old who brings so much joy and love to our home. Teaching young children has been my passion for the past five years, and I feel honored to help them grow, learn, and thrive every day.

Outside the classroom, I love traveling to new places, discovering fun finds while shopping, and spending quality time with my family and closest friends. These experiences help me bring creativity and warmth into my teaching.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Studies and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Mississippi College. I believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, and I strive to create a classroom environment where all students feel safe, supported, and inspired.

I look forward to a wonderful year filled with learning, laughter, and lots of growth!

Jacky Chiong

Teacher

Hello! I’m Dr. Chiong, and I’m so happy to be part of the Bates Elementary School family. I’m happily married and enjoy singing and attending church, which brings joy and balance to my life.

This is my second year teaching kindergarten at Bates, and I absolutely love helping young learners grow in a caring, fun, and engaging environment. Watching children discover new things and build confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a major in Mathematics, and I earned my Ph.D. from La Salle University in the Philippines in 2019. My background helps me bring both creativity and structure to the classroom, and I’m passionate about making learning meaningful for every child.

I look forward to a wonderful year filled with curiosity, kindness, and lots of learning!

Mykell Elmore

Instructional Assistant

Hi there, families! I’m so excited to be part of your child’s Kindergarten adventure this year. As a proud mom of three amazing kids, I know just how special these early years are, and I’m honored to help make them joyful and memorable.

I’m a big cat lover (if it purrs, I’m probably obsessed!), and I find joy in singing, being creative, and sharing lots of smiles with my students. I’m a follower of Christ, and I strive to bring love, patience, and kindness into everything I do—especially in the classroom.

I believe learning should be fun, encouraging, and full of wonder. I love being silly, getting hands-on with activities, and watching little minds grow every day. I graduated from Clinton High School (Go Arrows!) and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at THEE Jackson State University.

I can’t wait to get to know your child and cheer them on every step of the way!

Deshawn Reed

Instructional Assistant

Hello! I’m so happy to be part of the Bates Elementary family, supporting our youngest learners as they begin their educational journey. I’m a proud mother of four beautiful daughters, and I bring that same love and care into the classroom every day.

This is my second year serving as an Instructional Assistant on the kindergarten team, and I truly enjoy working with children—especially helping them learn through creativity and play. I’m passionate about encouraging students to grow both academically and socially, and I believe in nurturing the whole child.

I hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hinds Community College and plan to continue my studies at Jackson State University to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

I look forward to a joyful and inspiring school year filled with learning, laughter, and growth!

Cherrell Trimble

Instructional Assistant

Great day! I’m excited to continue my journey at Bates Elementary, where I’ve proudly served since 2014. This year, I’ll be working as an Instructional Assistant on the Kindergarten team, supporting our youngest learners as they grow and thrive.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my godchildren, traveling, baking sweet treats, and cheering on the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Yankees. I also have a soft spot for Cookie Monster—he always makes me smile!

I hold an Associate Degree in General Education from Hinds Community College and bring a love for learning and creativity into everything I do. I’m passionate about helping children feel confident, curious, and cared for as they begin their educational journey.

Looking forward to a fantastic year filled with fun, growth, and lots of learning!