The start is near...

Dear k-8 Staff,

I hope that everyone has found some time to relax and recharge over this summer. My family and I just returned from exploring the Sawtooth and Teton Mountains! It was so refreshing to get up into these beautiful mountains. Additionally, we spent a few days in Yellowstone and then visited family in Montana! I thoroughly enjoyed this time with my family and genuinely felt revived! I look forward to hearing about your summer adventures.

Return to Work

I will be returning to the school starting next week but will be off-campus to attend the Rural Principal Cohort Retreat with Alliance Conference on August 2nd and 3rd. I will then be attending the 'All Systems Go: Fall Launch' virtual conference on the mornings of August 4th and 5th. It is a busy start, and I am excited to ensure we are set with the right resources, tools, and guidance to get our school year rolling smoothly.   

This year, my primary focus is going to be on K-8 teaching and learning. One of my main goals will be to motivate and inspire each member of our learning community to achieve their highest potential. 

One-on-One Meetings

Over August and early September, I will be coordinating one-on-one meetings with the K-8 classified and certificated staff. I will be utilizing the following list of questions to guide our conversation: 

1. What would you like for me to know about you? (Maybe something I don't know.)
2. What grades and subjects have you taught?
3. What are you most proud of about your career?
4. What are your strengths in your job?
5. What are your professional goals?
6. What do you love about Mary Walker?
7. What are some goals that you have for Mary Walker?
8. What resources do you feel you need that you don't currently have to do your job?
9. Who do you look to as a leader in the school? Why?
10. What advice do you have for me as the k-8 principal?
11. What questions do you have for me?

Please email, call or text to schedule a conference time with me! I appreciate everyone participating in these meetings. 

Building Leadership Team

I am developing a building leadership team comprised of representatives from the primary, elementary, middle school teaching teams, classified staff, and support staff. This leadership team will help lead the school improvement process, coordinate communications and school engagements, and participate in school decision-making. I am asking each team to select one representative to participate in the leadership team. All leadership team members will be paid for their extra time. The representatives will need to attend a summer work retreat on August 13th, 17th, or 18th (TBD) and regular monthly team meetings. Please connect with your team to select your representative and then email me as soon as possible, but no later than August 6th.

I am excited about this new school year and look forward to connecting with you!

Brett Joachim, Principal

wk cell: 509.919.0538