By: Calle Caldwell

This school year, Bellbrook High School welcomed a new face to its science department: Ms. Kelly Savage. She is currently teaching the courses chemistry and earth and the environment for her first year in the district. With experience teaching at other Ohio schools, like Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Lebanon Christian, and Clinton Massie, Savage has brought a strong teaching background and a genuine enthusiasm for Bellbrook’s school and community.

“I’m really enjoying getting to know students and teachers,” Savage said. Her transition into a new district has been smooth, which she credits to Bellbrook’s environment. “There’s a lot of school spirit. It’s a very organized school and everybody has been extremely welcoming.”

Savage complimented Bellbrook for its togetherness. “The sense of community both inside the school and outside the school is very strong,” she said. 

With a bachelor’s degree from Grove City College and a Master’s from Lehigh University, Savage has always taught in the science field, but she’s eager to experience the Bellbrook way. “I’m excited to see Bellbrook traditions through the year,” she said.

Savage is teaching alongside Mrs. Amy Riggs, who has been teaching chemistry at BHS for five years. Riggs has many positive things to say about her new colleague. “She exudes an aura of confidence and chillness,” she said.

Although she admits missing her former teaching partner, Mrs. Becky Mann, who retired after the past school year, Riggs is excited for her new collaboration.

“I’m super pumped,” Riggs said, “I think we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

The two teachers are working together to ensure consistency in both classrooms. “We touch base daily about content,” Riggs said, “We want things to be as seamless as possible.” The two have been collaborating and incorporating each other’s ideas and styles into their classrooms.