Thank you, Mrs. Kelly

After 27 years in the Emerson Public School District, teacher and former librarian, Ruth Kelly, retired.

“I will miss watching my students grow and seeing the excitement when they learn something new,” Kelly said.

Kelly started as a Pre-Kindergarten aide, a position she held for two years before becoming a basic skills teacher.

“[I feel] very sad because she is [the] kindest teacher of all, and she taught me how to really read,” said Yarismar Pena, a fourth grade student. Pena worked with Kelly at Memorial School last year.

Kelly also served as the librarian at Memorial School as well as the second grade gifted and talented teacher. Eventually, she became librarian for both Memorial and Patrick M. Villano Schools. Kelly has held several positions over the years.

“After 17 years as librarian, I went back to basic skills instruction, first at Villano for grades three and four and then at Memorial for kindergarten through second grade. When COVID hit, I became a first-grade teacher for a year, after which I returned to basic skills teacher at Memorial,” Kelly stated.

Kelly plans to spend more time with her grandchildren, as well as travel with her family. 

“My first trip will be to Disney World later this year. I hope to see Winnie the Pooh! I also look forward to having more time to reconnect and visit with old friends,” she voiced.