February Employee of the Month

Fern Ridge roots run deep with our February employee of the month! Not only is Emilee Russell a graduate of the Fern Ridge School District, but so are her two siblings and her mom works in the middle school library. Before joining the district as a teacher, Ms. Russell worked as an Instructional Assistant at Elmira Elementary for two years while in college.

Ms. Russell came to work for the school district in September of 2020 as an elementary teacher in the Options program.  This year, she is teaching Kindergarten at Elmira Elementary School.

“My favorite part of my job is seeing students’ confidence and self-esteem grow.  Every chance I can, I love to show them their progress and remind them of things they used to have difficulty with and now are so much stronger at. I feel lucky to have the chance to help kids develop an excitement and love for learning!”

One of her favorite things to do each morning is greet students:

 

  “I have learned that in just a quick minute each morning, you can make a kid feel special and cared for and happy to be at school.”

 

This year, Ms. Russell has joined the math committee and is one of the coordinators for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program.  “I am loving learning more about TAG and meeting and working with students from all over the district.”

This is the first year she has taught Kindergarten and she is so thankful for such a supportive team and everyone who helped her learn the ropes in a new grade level.

When she is away from the classroom, she enjoys snow skiing, crafting, jogging and reading.  She and her boyfriend just moved from Eugene to Elmira with their two dogs, Ace and Willie.  Together they love road trips and she is slowly but surely visiting the National Parks.

Mrs. Klingsporn nominated Ms. Russell for this recognition because of her “super flexibility in moving to the EES Kindergarten position and how she dove in deeply to support students”

Elmira Elementary (and the entire district) appreciate Emilee’s positive attitude, calm presence and laughter.  Thank you Emilee!