Hi, my name is Tom Stoneroad and I teach Pre-K at Long ELC. In 2012, I retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service and for the first time since I enlisted, I was able to wake up each day and do whatever I wanted to do at my own pace.  I spent much of my free time with our lovable Alaskan Malamute, Menroe, volunteering at Hendricks with the Pet Therapy program. One of the best parts of the program was seeing how the children responded to visits from the dogs. Eventually, I started to think about what I wanted to do for my second career. Teaching was something I was interested in so I started to substitute with AISD in 2014. I subbed for several different grade levels including a couple long-term assignments at Pre-K and discovered that's where my heart was - working with the "littles". I graduated from McMurry University in 2018 Bachelor of Science majoring in Early Childhood Education and Minoring in Curriculum and Instruction. After graduation, I started teaching at Long ELC Head Start in the 4-5 year old program for 2019-2020 school year. During the spring of 2020, Covid was at its peak and all learning went to online instruction, which lasted the rest of the school year. I started the 2020-2021 school year as 1 of 3 virtual Pre-K teachers working with 3-5 year old students. After spring break, I transitioned back to in-person classes with 3-4 year olds. I was fortunate to have the same students for the 2021-22 school year and have continued with the 3-4 year old program for the current school year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                My co-teacher, Ms. Stephani Thomason, has been with with the Pre-k program for 6 years. She earned her CDA and graduated from Cisco Community College in 2022 with an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She is an instrumental part in classroom activities to include the health and welfare of your child.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We look forward to working with you to lay a solid educational foundation opening endless possibilities to a successful academic career for your child.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Contact information:                                                                                                                                                              Thomas.Stoneroad@abileneisd.org                                                                                                                                      325-671-4594 ext. 8941                                                                                                                                                      Conference Time: Monday thru Friday 11:00 - 11:30