Principal Notes

FROM THE PRINCIPAL....

A Welcome to Candalaria Elementary Students and Families
As the proud Principal of Candalaria Elementary since the 2004-2005 school year, I welcome you to the new school year! We are eager to work with our students and families at Candalaria Elementary School in order to provide an exciting, challenging and rewarding school year. As we start a new year, we continue to work toward excellence in education for all of the students at Candalaria. We have implemented a platform of three school-wide guidelines in order to coordinate our character education efforts. Our three guidelines are to be responsible, respectful and reliable. We are committed to creating a purposeful place where students feel appreciated and respected.

Candalaria Elementary School is a safe school where all children learn and grow, and we have high expectations for students and for ourselves as well. This past year we concentrated on four critical questions of education - what we expect students to learn, how we will know when they are learning it, what we will do if they don’t, and what will we do when they do learn. Together with the entire staff, master teachers and skilled support personnel, we developed our vision, mission and values. Essentially, why we exist, what we hope to become and what you will see us do to achieve our goals. We are a tight knit learning community that goes shoulder to shoulder with children. Certainly, it is not an exact science and as a result we find ourselves constantly evaluating our efforts. Each child, each class and each situation requires that we be flexible and reflective. First and foremost, we exist for the children and they drive our decision-making and parents are a big part of our community. We invite you to participate as an active member of our educational community.

We believe that supportive parents who work in partnership with us at school are important to our students’ success. We invite, and we value, your involvement. We are committed to making your child’s first years in school full of positive, and enriching experiences. You are always welcome at school, and we are excited about having a great year working with you.
The success of a community depends upon the collaborative efforts of all its members. Here’s to a great year of working together toward our common goal — the best possible school year for our students!

Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the Elementary Parent Handbook. This document includes a variety of information that is important to know. It is also important to read our monthly newsletters for important dates and information. During your child’s stay at Candalaria,
if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I can be reached at gertenrich_clinton@salkeiz.k12.or.us or call at (503)399-3136.

“It’s a great day to be a Husky!”