PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Ms. Patty Elmer

 

Goal:

My goal is to successfully prepare children to enter into our global society. They will become critical thinkers who use technology to access world-wide resources. As educators, we will share with them the gift of being independent, self-sustaining learners.

Belief Statements:

*I believe in small learning communities

*I believe in shared leadership

*I believe all students can do rigorous learning at high standards

*I believe in data based decision in response to instruction

*I believe that we teach and assess for learning

*I believe we all need to be coaches and also to be coached

*I believe in parent partnerships

*I believe in collaborative school relationships with community and business

*I believe in collaboration, cooperation and courage

Life Long Learner:

Naturally curious and intrigued by different view points, perspectives, and cultures, I love to gain new knowledge and possess a strong desire to go on learning. This bold pursuit has taken my children and me many places in the world to study and volunteer. We studied seven ecosystems in Thailand and Malaysia, completed a shipwreck dive off the coast of Indonesia, researched endangered birds in the rainforests of Costa Rica. Then we tracked grizzly bears on glaciers in Northern BC/Alaska. We've studied the Inka nation and climbed Machu Picchu in Peru. We've studied Spanish and brought in medical supplies for a Guatemalan children's foundation. As a family, we all share this love for learning, deep respect for people of different nations and commitment to leave the world a better place. My daughter, who speaks five languages, is currently serving in the military as a radiologist. My son, who plays four instruments, made his childhood dream of becoming a pirate come true when he was selected to crew the Voyager in the Youth for Tall Ships program.

Life truly is an adventure and we share the love of learning wherever we go!

Leadership:

As a proven, visionary instructional leader, I provide clear and effective direction in meeting school goals. I am open, visible, and approachable throughout the day. Other qualities that make me an outstanding principal are my energy, optimism, commitment and realibility. I possess excellent listening skills and am able to understand multiple perspectives. Leading with dignity and grace, I make difficult decisions and solve complex problems. When making these decisions, I know when to get input, what research is needed, and how to select the most efficient process to make a timely decision. I also recognize what decision should be made on a daily basis, which ones can be set aside and which ones require a forum. As an effective leader, I assume positive intentions with all the individuals involved.

In a true learning community, all components - students, parents, community members, staff and administrators - work towards a common goal: providing the best education for our children.

My Accomplishments:

*B.A. Elementary and Secondary Special Education

*Masters in Educational Administration

*Principals Certification

*Awarded Fulbright Administrative Scholarship to Argentina

*Assistant Principal Sequoyah Middle School

*AVID Coordinator

*Coordinator of Special Education

*Summer Bridge Director

*Early Childhood Coordinator

*Curriculum and Staff Development Director for the International School in Bangkok, Thailand

*Awarded Habits of the Mind learning seminar by Bob Garnston and Bena Kallick

*Presenter at National CEC conference

*Led Staff Development for PLC, ADL, CASL, CFG, SLC, Portfolios, Standards-Based Grading, Rubrics, IEP, ITIP, TESA, GESA and DI

*Green School Leader