Dr. Aisha Grace was born in Kansas City, Missouri but has lived in St. Louis, Missouri for over 20 years. She began her career in education in 2001 as a 3rd grade teacher in St. Louis Public Schools.  During her tenure, Dr. Grace has also served as a 4th grade teacher, Title I Math Teacher, Title I Language Arts Teacher and began her first year as a Principal in 2008 and has served in the Ferguson Florissant School District since 2017.  Dr. Grace earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her Doctorate from Maryville University. Dr. Grace has 1 daughter and enjoys spending time with her family!

Griffith Elementary School would like to introduce our new Dean of Students, Mr. James F. Edmond Sr. Mr. Edmond is originally from Buffalo, New York. He graduated form Central State University with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, and a Master's degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in Educational Leadership. Mr. Edmond is an experienced administrator with experience with the Alton, East St. Louis, Confluence Prep, and Venice School Districts.

My name is Renetta Batteast and I am the Instructional Support Leader at Griffith Elementary.   

I am a proud native of St. Louis, Missouri.  I grew up in North St. Louis City and attended one of the early magnet high schools – Center for Management, Law, and Public College Preparatory High School.  I earned a Bachelor’s degree from Webster University in Human Resource Management with a minor in Computer Science. The early part of my professional life was spent in the private sector.  

Following a childhood desire to teach, I went back to college and attained a Master’s degree from Webster University in Teaching.  Following graduation, I was hired by the Ferguson-Florissant School District, where I spent the last 15 years teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.  I continued to further my education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University, as well as a Master’s degree in Reading from Webster University.  I hold K-8 Principal certification, K-12 special reading certification, as well as K-12 gifted education certification. I am currently working towards a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.

I am so excited to be part of the Griffith family! I look forward to supporting my colleagues in promoting student success, and inspiring, developing, and nurturing the young minds here at Griffith Elementary.  

Parent + Teacher + Student = Success