My name is Mrs. Bates and I am so excited to meet my new 3rd grade family. Even though I am new to the Dunnellon Elementary family, I am not new to teaching. This year, I will be starting my 17th year in education and my 11th year teaching 3rd grade. My husband and I will be celebrating our 22nd Wedding Anniversay in October. Our daughter, Kaitlyn, is a recent Dunnellon High School graduate and will be attending The College of Central Florida as a freshman. She is studying to be a teacher for students with special needs. We share our home with a very spoiled dog and two lazy cats.