LENOX, Mass. - Principal Brenda Kelley of Morris Elementary in Lenox has been named Massachusetts Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts School Administrators Association (MSAA).

“It is really, I believe, an award for my school and the school community we all work together to ensure that our students are having the best possible learning experience that they can have at Morris Elementary School,” said Kelley.

She was chosen for her work with the school and her support of students and staff. Many peers submitted comments on her behalf for how much they admire her work.

“Mrs. Kelley has just been such a wonderful leader; I would follow her anywhere," Morris Elementary second grade teacher Jessica Bazinet said. "She really gives teachers a lot of opportunities and we truly feel supported we have a lot of great teachers here with really great innovative ideas. And she’s always really supportive and always wanting to see the kids exceed. And she’s always right inside the classrooms visiting with the kids smiling with them, loving them so it’s just a wonderful community to feel a part of.”

She says some of her proudest accomplishments have been incorporating positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), which she says promotes a positive learning environment.

She was also behind a grant for their book vending machine. Each week, she hands out certificates to students who were selected for their positive behavior, and they get to pick a book from the machine.

And right now, she is working on trying to get a new school playground built for her students.

“I asked students to fill out a card of their recommendations of what they would like on their playground, so we have anything from a small walk wall climbing apparatus to slides to all sorts of things that are on a playground,” Kelley said.

She has received lots of congratulations from staff, students and even former students who remember her impact on them during their time with her.

Kelley knows how hardworking it is to be a principal and acknowledges all of her fellow principals during this time of the school year.

“To all of my principal colleagues out there, I’m with you on our long days ahead of us until we close the school year," Kelley said. "But it’s also a joyous time of year, 'cause you’re watching all of your students flourish and see how successful they’ve done the entire school year."

Kelley will be recognized by the MSAA in July and will also be presented with an award at Morris Elementary.