Greylock School Teacher Presented Kelly Award
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Everyone gathered in the auditorium at Greylock School on Wednesday afternoon, primarily for a school-led play about the Statue of Liberty.
But as everyone got settled, Superintendent Barbara Malkas informed them that she had a "very, very important announcement."
It was that Michele Rondeau was this year's winner of the Marion B. Kelly Award.
"It is presented to teachers in recognition of their dedicated, skillful teaching and understanding of children and the exemplification of the ideal teacher," Malkas explained before a surprised Rondeau, seated in the back, was singled out.
Kelly had been an educator in the North Adams Public Schools for 40 years, from 1929 until 1978 — in between taking an enforced nine-year leave after her marriage because of state law at the time. She ended her career as principal of Johnson and Haskins schools.
Rondeau had started at Greylock School in 1991 as a tutor and was hired as a fifth-grade teacher at the beginning of the 1994 school year.
"I've always taught fifth grade," she said. "In the same classroom at Greylock, since I started under [Principal] Stephen Boisvert."
Each year, an eductor is selected for the award based on nominations from their fellows. Robert Thomas, a math coach at Greylock, nominated Rondeau, describing her as having a classroom with a "calm, positive environment but her classes are peppy and fun. Her students truly enjoy being there with her and learning from one of the best educators I have ever known."
Assistant to the Superintendent Ellen Sutherland read Thomas' letter, which said Rondeau was always welcoming and supportive of other teachers, and consistently "navigates through lessons with a positive energy and professionalism despite the stressors we all face as educators."
Her students are clear on her expectations and she uses every available minute to ensure they receive a rigorous education, Thomas wrote, and years afterward, her students still think of her as their favorite teacher of all time.
"From a parent's perspective, I can only hope that she is still here when my son is old enough to be in her class," he wrote, adding that it was the fourth or fifth time he had nominated her.
Rondeau's family was in on the secret and clustered in the hallway just outside the door with flowers until her name was called. The students cheered as she walked up to receive the award.
"I had no idea that my children knew and kept it all secret from me," she said. "Even my mother-in-law came from Tennessee, and she didn't know. ...
"I'm very pleased. Greylock School is a great school to work in."
Tags: Greylock School, teacher of the year,
