WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s not every day that a teacher has a library named after her, and it certainly isn’t every day that an astronaut and a congresswoman are there to help cut the ribbon. But on Nov. 15, that is just what happened when Kelly Elementary School, formerly called Pleasantdale Elementary School, dedicated the new Connie White Library Media Center with astronaut Mark Kelly and former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords.
“When I received word that one of her former students wanted to honor her by donating money to renovate our Library Media Center and dedicate the project to her, I was thrilled to be a part of it,” Kelly School Principal Joanne Pollara said. “It reminded me that teachers at their best truly inspire dreams, shape lives and give us hope for the future. Connie, your inspiration has continued far beyond your years in the classroom.”
In attendance at the dedication were Mark Kelly, Giffords, Connie White herself, Mayor Robert Parisi, acting Superintendent Eveny de Mendez, Board of Education member Ken Alper, and White’s family and friends. Former students, including Mark Kelly, traveled across the country to be there for the library opening, lauding the impact White made in their lives as a second-grade teacher.
The library was made possible by a $250,000 gift from an anonymous donor, one of White’s former students. The center features a makerspace, rolling book racks, carpeting, reading areas, new furniture and three 3-D printers.
“When people ask me how I’m doing, I tell them ‘more than wonderful,’” White enthused, “and today that could not be more true.”
Students in fifth grade performed several musical numbers, ending with the Kelly School song. The Kelly social media student ambassadors, the first cohort of its kind in the West Orange School District, led everyone to the center for the ribbon cutting and filmed a brief video byte.
“To be successful, there are four pillars on which you can build: dedication, devotion, discipline and determination,” Pollara said. “Connie White’s 44 years in education embodied each of these qualities. Connie taught at Pleasantdale School, in first grade for 10 years and then in second grade for 34 years. Connie demonstrated qualities that set her on a path destined for leadership. Connie was an innovative educator who inspired her students each and every day. She always took a deep interest in her students on a personal level and nurtured not only their minds but their souls and hearts. Her classroom was a place that encouraged kindness and caring. Giving her students confidence in themselves was paramount for Connie.
“During her tenure in West Orange she worked tirelessly to ensure that all students rose to meet the challenges of their future, whether their journey took them to business, finance, education or outer space! I was honored to be a colleague of hers here at the former Pleasantdale School and like so many others, learned from her,” Pollara continued. “Connie, your inspiration has continued far beyond your years in the classroom. You continue to touch our children!”
Photos Courtesy of WOSD
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