~A parent is a child's first teacher ~
As a parent, I was never more worried, or more hopeful, than when I brought my daughters to their first day of Kindergarten. Would their teacher be kind and caring? Would they be supported and safe? Would they be challenged and love school? I had an instant appreciation for the feelings that the parents of children in my classroom had been experiencing for all those years - a secret world I never knew existed until I lived it myself.
What set me at ease as a mother was the communication of the teacher and the school, the feeling of love and support we noticed as we walked in the door, the open door policy of the building, and the work the school did to engage my family in my child's learning. As a school leader, I know these practices are important, but as a parent I know they are critical to the success of my child and our school.
My work with families and the community can be summarized by the 5 P's*
Priority: Partnering with families and communities is a top priority and a guiding philosophy for me. Together we can best support each child to reach their dreams - to grow, create and achieve at the highest levels.
Personal Connection: As principal my 100 day goal is to know the names, correct pronunciation and pronouns of all my students, their family members and their siblings in school - relationships and connections drive my work as a school leader. You'll see me out at drop off and pick up duty, greeting students and families, at coffee mornings and evening events. Stop by my office for a cup of coffee and some M&Ms, let’s connect and let me know how I can help you and your child.
Positivity: Caregivers need to know when things are going well – not just when there are problems! As my personality and strengths page indicates – I have a sunny, outgoing disposition. I celebrate our successes and focus on strengths and growth to help us face our challenges together as a team. When difficulties arise, I approach them from curiosity, skill development and learning - collaborating as a team address the educational and behavioral needs of our children and honoring development overtime.
Partnership: For me, as a distributive leader, I know in order to best nurture and support our students to thrive, we need the input, advice, expertise and assistance of all community members. Families are enthusiastically welcomed in my school. From reading and art literacy volunteers, to site council, PTA and room parents, or just if you have a moment to help sort office supplies - we're glad you are here! I create opportunities and remove barriers so we can work together on problems facing our school and on ways to optimize what is working. I seek your input in committees, community events, through surveys, listening groups and more.
Proactive and Persistent Communication: Clear and consistent communication is fundamental in developing the trust necessary to work in partnership together. I share information in a variety of ways: regular newsletters, an updated website, social media, text messaging, parent and community meetings, and an open door policy. I am transparent and will share what I know, as soon as possible, in as many ways needed to make sure our families are updated on happenings in our school.
.*After the work of the University of Minnesota
What set me at ease as a mother was the communication of the teacher and the school, the feeling of love and support we noticed as we walked in the door, the open door policy of the building, and the work the school did to engage my family in my child's learning. As a school leader, I know these practices are important, but as a parent I know they are critical to the success of my child and our school.
My work with families and the community can be summarized by the 5 P's*
Priority: Partnering with families and communities is a top priority and a guiding philosophy for me. Together we can best support each child to reach their dreams - to grow, create and achieve at the highest levels.
Personal Connection: As principal my 100 day goal is to know the names, correct pronunciation and pronouns of all my students, their family members and their siblings in school - relationships and connections drive my work as a school leader. You'll see me out at drop off and pick up duty, greeting students and families, at coffee mornings and evening events. Stop by my office for a cup of coffee and some M&Ms, let’s connect and let me know how I can help you and your child.
Positivity: Caregivers need to know when things are going well – not just when there are problems! As my personality and strengths page indicates – I have a sunny, outgoing disposition. I celebrate our successes and focus on strengths and growth to help us face our challenges together as a team. When difficulties arise, I approach them from curiosity, skill development and learning - collaborating as a team address the educational and behavioral needs of our children and honoring development overtime.
Partnership: For me, as a distributive leader, I know in order to best nurture and support our students to thrive, we need the input, advice, expertise and assistance of all community members. Families are enthusiastically welcomed in my school. From reading and art literacy volunteers, to site council, PTA and room parents, or just if you have a moment to help sort office supplies - we're glad you are here! I create opportunities and remove barriers so we can work together on problems facing our school and on ways to optimize what is working. I seek your input in committees, community events, through surveys, listening groups and more.
Proactive and Persistent Communication: Clear and consistent communication is fundamental in developing the trust necessary to work in partnership together. I share information in a variety of ways: regular newsletters, an updated website, social media, text messaging, parent and community meetings, and an open door policy. I am transparent and will share what I know, as soon as possible, in as many ways needed to make sure our families are updated on happenings in our school.
.*After the work of the University of Minnesota
Resources For Families
