Welchester Families,
I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer. I also hope you are relaxed, recharged and ready to start a new school year. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve this community and staff as your interim principal for the 2023-2024 school year. As many of you know, although I am new to this role, I am not new to Welchester. This will be my 18th year in education and my 10th year at Welchester. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, math and reading interventionist, instructional coach, dean of students, and the last four years as the assistant principal.
I am passionate about the Work Welchester is committed to and the collaborative culture that focuses on success for all. I believe in providing an educational experience that serves the whole child. In order to do this, we must have strong partnerships with our families. Our theme this year is One team. One Goal. Our team is our families and staff working together so we can get to know our students’ strengths and needs. I believe that we all have a similar goal; for our students to love learning, feel connected, and meet their educational goals, so they can be successful in whatever it is they aspire to be.
At Welchester, we have high expectations for all students in academics, behavior, and respect to others. We offer a variety of academic and social programs for both advanced and struggling learners. This work has led to Welchester becoming a National Model PLC school as well as receiving the Governor's Bright Spot Award in the fall of 2022.
We strive to teach children to be good citizens. Our classrooms start with class meetings each day to build community. Our school uses social and emotional curriculum and Restorative Practices to support students to grow as individuals. As an Energy Bus school, we use seven principles that will teach students to see themselves as leaders.
Parent participation and input is valued at Welchester Elementary. We have a very active PTA that is involved in many school-wide activities and fundraising updates. The Welchester PTA meetings the 1st Wednesday of every month at 5:00 PM. Some of our school events include: donuts with someone special, chili cook off and silent auction, Fall Literacy Night, Multicultural Night, fall and spring Parent/Teacher Conferences, and school-wide BBQ.
I look forward to a great school year!
Best,
Jennine Tarpley
Interim Principal
[email protected]
