For Kelsey Atkins, Deep River Elementary School has always been more than just a school. It is where she grew up, where her mother worked, where her children have attended school, and now, where she has found her own calling in education.
For the past six years, Atkins has served the Deep River community in a variety of roles, building relationships and making a difference through the little things that sometimes go unnoticed. Currently a teacher assistant leading the school’s Behavior Improvement Program, and recently recognized as Deep River’s Bus Driver of the Year, Atkins embraces every opportunity to serve students and families.
“This is where I went to school. My mom had been a teacher assistant here, and I had been a stay-at-home mom for a little while,” Atkins explained. “When I needed to get back out into the ‘real world,’ I just wanted to be close to my son. He went to school here and getting to work here honestly was just the biggest blessing because this place really just became a home for me.”
Atkins began her educational career as a kindergarten teacher assistant before transitioning to the Behavior Improvement role this year. While the change has brought new challenges, her approach to working with students has remained the same: lead with kindness, build relationships, and model the behaviors she hopes to see in others.
“I try to look at whatever I am doing - whether it is on the bus, in the behavior class, being a teacher assistant or helping out in the cafeteria - I just want to help people and be kind,” she said.
That philosophy extends to the smallest moments in the school day. Atkins believes students are always watching and learning from the adults around them, even when those adults may not realize it.
“I am proud of the little things,” she explained. “Even when you don’t think anyone is watching you and you pick up the paper towel on the floor … it’s those small things that a student sees and hopefully they choose to do the little things to make their community the best it can be.”
Her work as a bus driver has given her another perspective on the importance of relationships. Driving through the same community where she grew up, Atkins gets to know families beyond the classroom, seeing younger siblings who will someday be Deep River students and strengthening connections that can last a lifetime.
“There is just a great sense of community here at Deep River,” Atkins smiled. “I know so many of the families here, not just because I work here, but because I went to school with their moms and dads.”
While her Bus Driver of the Year recognition celebrates her commitment to safely transporting students, Atkins is quick to recognize the colleagues who have helped shape her as an educator. She credits experienced teachers and assistants, including an early mentor she affectionately calls Mrs. Ashley, with teaching her how to balance high expectations with compassion.
“She showed me not only when and how to be firm, but when to be loving and show grace,” Atkins recalled. “I have learned so much just by watching the people around me I get to work with.”
Although she has considered pursuing a teaching degree someday, Atkins is content with the opportunity she has now to serve students while raising her two boys.
“For right now, I enjoy what I’m doing and this is where I need to be,” she said.
Above all, Atkins believes that the strength of Deep River Elementary comes from a staff that genuinely cares for one another and shares a common purpose.
“It really is like a family to work here,” she nodded. “I feel like we’re all working toward one goal, to help these children. When you all have the same goal, it really helps you work together to get there.”
For Atkins, that shared mission makes every role worthwhile. Whether she is behind the wheel of a school bus, supporting a student through a difficult moment, or simply offering a kind word and listening ear, she is helping build the same welcoming school community that helped shape her own childhood.