KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Saugus Union School District officials offered condolences to the elementary school community Monday on the death of longtime teacher and principal Mary Jane Kelly.
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The Plum Canyon Elementary School mainstay for years was a beloved member of the educational community, according to an outpouring of support on social media.
“It is with heavy heart and great sadness that I share with you that Mary Jane Kelly passed away on Friday,” SUSD Superintendent Joan Lucid confirmed Monday. “Many of you will recall she was principal at Plum Canyon until her retirement two years ago. Others may also remember her as the consummate sixth grade teacher, a mathematics wizard and someone who could always make you laugh.”
Judy Umeck, Saugus Union School District governing board member, also shared a photo and memory on Facebook.
“Mary Jane Kelly you were always there for your kids and your colleagues,” Umeck wrote on Facebook.”It was an honor and so much fun to work with you! You will be truly missed.”
While recently retired, her years of contribution were fondly remembered.
“We will greatly miss her wit and wisdom,” said Lucid, adding the district would make memorial service information available if and when that’s possible. “She leaves a legacy of caring and kindness for all. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.”
About SUSD:
The Saugus Union School District serves the Santa Clarita communities of Saugus, Valencia and Canyon Country with 15 elementary schools for 10,000 students. The District was recently awarded Gold Ribbon Awards for 14 of 15 schools with two Exemplary Arts Awards, and these awards continue a tradition of excellence for the District, which includes five National Blue Ribbon Awards, 14 California Gold Ribbon, 35 California Distinguished School Awards (for 15 schools) and six California Business for Educational Excellence Awards (one Star School and five Scholar Schools).
Mary Jane Kelly was known at Emblem Elementary as the fierce sixth grade math teacher. My daughter, Stephanie Hagstrom, had trouble with math, MJ pushed her forward. She also represented Jay Caulfield after he became ill, making sure his policies, desires and dreams for the advancement of the school and students remained in place. God bless this firey soul.
I have a couple fun memories of her. When she was the VP at Foster Elem, and came into a class for a disciplinary reason, she stated, “When Mrs. Kelly ain’t happy, there ain’t nobody happy”. Then, when she was principal at Plum Elem, during morning spirit assemblies, she would sing and dance along with the students, as they sang the school song. She was warm and friendly, and obviously was passionate about her work with children.
i am one of her students. We all loved her very much and im sorry to ms. Mann, but when Ms. Kelly was our principle, we were one of the top schools in the district. We had plenty of good times with her. Thank you ms. Kelly for being an amazing friend.