Hello! 

My name is Melissa Thornton-Cundari. I am a kindergarten teacher at Arcadia Elementary School.This is my 3rd year of teaching, and so far it has been an amazing experience!

Before I came to Arcadia to teach kindergarten, I taught 2nd grade at Matteson Elementary School. I also taught preschool for a year. Working with such a wide range of learners has helped me prepare for Arcadia!  I attended Governors State University. I graduated in 2019 with my BS in Early Childhood Education. I completed my student teaching at Grant Elementary in South Chicago Heights. I began that school year with 18 third graders. As we came to the end of my student teaching experience, we all wished I could stay forever. 

My first year at Arcadia was a very exciting year for me. Not only was it my first year in kindergarten, but I also got married during that summer. I also had my first baby that January! So far, kindergarten has been a great experience and the students are wonderful. Let's make this year my best year yet, as we strive for excellence together!

I can't wait to see all the smiling faces of my shining precious Kindergartners!