Zion Lutheran Church and School in Owego, NY - 2nd & 3rd Grades

2nd & 3rd Grades - Denise Kellett

2nd & 3rd Grades Mission Statement:
The mission of Zion’s second and third grade class is to develop and build a “family” atmosphere where social, spiritual, and intellectual skills can be nurtured, while establishing solid foundations in reading, math, science, social studies, and other areas appropriate to second and third grade children. Biblical principles and a deep love of Christ permeate the daily activities of our class in word, music, and actions.

Daily activity in our class follows a pattern that the children soon learn and manage themselves. All the students participate in some classes, while we split second and third grade for reading and math. Marnie Schrader serves as an indispensable aide that makes these split activities possible! There are several “learning centers” around the classroom where the students can enjoy individual or small group activities during break times, or when a student finishes class work early.

I received my BA in education with a minor in music from SUNY-New Paltz. Upon graduation, I taught remedial math, reading classes and 4th grade at Susquehanna Valley. I had my first daughter in 1981 and was a stay-at-home mom raising 3 daughters for 12 years. I went back to work as a part time music teacher at the YAMAHA SCHOOL of MUSIC and then went onto own and operate my own music studio, THE MUSIC STATION. I then answered a call to teach K-8 music in the Broome County Catholic School system. I was laid off due to low enrollment after 4 years. I still continue to coach the Seton Girls Varsity Tennis team. I am also an organist at Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church and I volunteer as an adult tap dance instructor at Endicott Performing Arts Centre.

My youngest, Kimmy, will be attending Elmira College. My middle, Kara, is an administrative associate for the Binghamton Senators. My oldest, Carly, is a TV news producer for a CBS affiliated station in Harrisburg, PA. My daughters, tennis, volunteering at EPAC and Anderson Center, and attending local sporting events from the Sens to the Bmets, and local high school games of every sport, are my favorite things!

I will continue to incorporate music into all curriculum areas in the second and third grade. I look forward to a happy, healthy, and fun year at Zion Lutheran School.

-Denise Kellett