Retiring New London elementary principal a mother-figure to many

NEW LONDON - Like most educators, Kayrl Silvey has her family and then she has her kids.
Silvey is about to say goodbye to one group so she can spend more time with the other.
The 62-year-old principal of New London Elementary is retiring after three decades as an educator. Her last official day is June 30, but classes end on May 20.
“I love learning,” she said. “I have an enthusiasm for learning.”
Silvey didn’t take the direct path to her position. After two years of college, she got married and had two daughters.
When the youngest was in school, she returned to what was then Quincy, Ill., College to complete her bachelor’s in education.
“I knew I wanted to go back to school and get my degree to be a teacher,” she said.
In 1978, Silvey took a job as third-grade instructor at Center Elementary and never looked back.
She later earned a master’s in education from what was then Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville and a specialist degree from the University of Missouri.
The deep responsibility Silvey feels about her job comes from a belief that all of us are in danger without properly-educated students.
“It’s important for all children to have an opportunity to reach their potential so they can give something back to the world,” she said.
New London Elementary offers a great environment for kids to learn, Silvey said. The fact that she serves as a second mother for students is rewarding.
“Each year is different,” Silvey said. “Everybody is an individual. Every group and every class has its own personalities.”
Silvey will miss the younger students the most.
“They come to school so excited,” she said. “Somewhere along the way, some people lose that. For me, this job has been to experience that joy of learning.”
One of the highlights for Silvey has been meeting so many people.
“I just feel so fortunate to have had an opportunity to share in their lives,” she said.
Silvey gives credit to the 30 staff members at New London Elementary for making her job a little less stressful.
“Anything I’ve been able to accomplish is because of the quality of the people I’ve worked with,” she said.
Teachers held a retirement party for Silvey earlier this week, and her family plans a meal Saturday night.
On Sunday, she’ll be cooking a Mother’s Day dinner because it’s the birthday of one of her daughters. Silvey has four grandchildren.
“There’ll be some transition time,” she admits. “I’d like to do a little traveling and spending time with family and friends.”
Any advice for other educators?
“Be open, flexible and listen,” Silvey said. “Be ready for a new adventure everyday. No two days are the same.”
And who’s teaching in that third-grade classroom where Silvey started? Michelle Simpson, who was in that third grade class 30 years ago.
“I’ve raised some teachers,” Silvey said with a laugh.