By Heather Ferrer.
Killingworth, CT – 5/3/21 – After 34 years, Mary Angus, the Director of the Killingworth Nursery School, has announced her retirement. Mary began her tenure with KNS in 1987. At this time, her daughter attended the school. Mary would often fill in during teacher absences, come in to be an extra set of hands for special events, and chaperone field trips. It was clear to Mary and the KNS teachers that Mary had found her calling. The following year, Mary accepted a position as a full-time teacher with KNS and has loved every moment since. Mary’s kind demeanor and innate ability to guide children through the sometimes demanding first years of school has made her a bit of a local legend; there are few places in town that Mary goes where she doesn’t stop to hug a past student or chat with a former KNS parent.
For over 65 years, the Killingworth Nursery School has served the community. It is a great local resource that fosters a strong sense of community among its members. KNS alumni often note that their experiences there consist of wonderful traditions with class after class of preschoolers excitedly coming home with their mouse ears after celebrating Walt Disney Day and going to school in costume to take part in the annual Halloween Parade.
These traditions and connections with the students and parents alike are what have driven Mary to devote decades of her life to the Killingworth Nursery School. When asked why she continued to teach for so long or what kept her in such a challenging career for so many years, Mary smiles and says “I like kids.” The kids like her too. Mary has had a positive effect on hundreds of young learners throughout the years. Many of her former students share fond memories of their own nursery school days when they see her. Many have brought their own children to KNS to experience the “Mrs. Angus magic.”
In addition to having a caring bond with her students, Mary is also known for being a “teacher/parent to the parents” as well. One KNS parent recounted that the parents would often drop off their kids at school and then wait in the hallway just to talk with Mary. “We all needed Mary, not just the kids,” she recalled with a laugh.
Mary’s ability to connect with students, support their families, and most importantly, openly show her love and compassion for everyone she encounters are just a couple of reasons Mary Angus will be greatly missed by the Killingworth Nursery School community. Mary says she has truly enjoyed her 34 years at the Killingworth Nursery School and knows she will look back at photos of past KNS classes and events with a smile.
Any alumni that would like to share a photo, memory, or message to celebrate Mary’s time at KNS can send them to: alyssacaphurley@gmail.com.
Killingworth Nursery School, located in the lower level of the Killingworth Congregational Church, is a non-profit, interdenominational, cooperative preschool which admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
Photo by Jodi Angus.
