Kelly Orlando
3rd Grade Teacher
M.J. Fletcher Elementary School

How long have you worked for JPS?

I have worked for Jamestown Public Schools for 26 years. I was a long-term substitute at Rogers Elementary for a year and I have spent the last 25 years here at Fletcher! Here at Fletcher, I have taught first grade, kindergarten, and third grade. I am currently in third grade.

What brought you to JPS?

I went to Jamestown Public Schools as a child.  Kindergarten - grade 6, I was a student at Bush Elementary. I absolutely loved my elementary experience, especially Mrs. Sprankle, my 6th grade teacher. When I went to Fredonia State and was ready for my student teaching experience, I requested Jamestown for my placements and I was actually a student teacher in the same classroom that I attended kindergarten in!  Both of my placements at Bush and at Lincoln were absolutely amazing. I had nothing but fond memories of my childhood school and all of the teachers that I had, that I couldn't wait to become a teacher in Jamestown! 

What's been the highlight of your career?

The highlight of my job has been working with all of the children that I have worked with.  It is amazing to see the kids grow up and become such awesome adults. I have been teaching so long that I have had children of former students, which is UNBELIEVABLE!!  Am I really that old??  I love when I run into former students or they come to visit me and tell me about their lives, careers, and children of their own.  I feel very blessed to have influenced so many lives.

What's your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of my job is that no two days with kids are ever the same and every year is different as well. You learn to switch things up from year to year to find out what works best for you and your students.  I love learning and laughing with my students every day.  Working with kids is exciting and unpredictable and that makes being a teacher so much fun.  I wouldn't trade my career choice for anything!!  Thank you JPS for my amazing childhood experiences and for the lifelong career that I love!