The Commonwealth Way…………
 
I knew the moment I walked through the doors of Commonwealth Elementary School that it was a special place. Actually, I knew before then. I would like to take you on a journey, my journey, as I learned about CWE and experienced your sense of community even before I became your principal.
 
When I heard Mrs. Diaz was named principal at Fort Settlement Middle School, I was excited to explore the opportunity to serve the Commonwealth school-community. So, I began to study and learn about all of the wonderful things going on at Commonwealth. Along the way, I have been able to make many connections. I will share just a few.
 
First, I was able to connect with the many activities that happen at Commonwealth on a daily basis; from the integration of modern technology into classroom instruction to the daily news. Smart Boards and Senteo student response systems abound at CWE and I look forward to seeing them in use as our wonderful teachers keep our classroom instruction current and futuristic for our students. When I was in school, I was part of a daily news broadcast class and I am so excited to see how we can continue to be creative and innovative with this great method of communication.
 
I also value a strong mind, strong body and strong spirit. It doesn’t take one long to see that Commonwealth Cougars embrace challenge and rise to the occasion academically. We are well on our way to continuing the Commonwealth tradition of Exemplary performance for our state assessments. Our 3rd and 5th graders did an amazing job on their Reading TAKS. Go Cougars! Right up there with that strong mind there is a strong body which I was able to see, for the first time up close, at the First Annual Grant A. Starr Foundation Family Fun Run held here at Commonwealth Elementary. Commonwealth Cougars, past and present, challenged their physical capacity and showed their heart in honor of Grant Starr. I share with you the desire for a healthy lifestyle that develops the mind and body, that cultivates balance and happiness, and that nurtures the spirit of caring here at Commonwealth.
 
And, I have experienced your love for family and friends. Relationships are so important, at all levels and I will honor building relationships with each and every one of you. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful family. My husband John and I have been married for four years. John comes from a family of educators so it is no surprise that he married one. His dad, Jim, was a principal and his mom, Betty, was a teacher. His sister, Suzanne, is currently a teacher in Hong Kong. We have two beautiful children, Lucas and Gracie. Lucas is two years old and loves books and trucks (especially construction machinery, like bulldozers and backhoes). Gracie is four months old and loves exercising already! I look forward to our families getting to know each other well in the years to come.
 
By the time you read this, I hope you were able to see the Hoedown. We have been trying to adjust according to our Texas weather and I hope we were able to enjoy the hard work our students and teachers have put into making us smile. I also hope many of you were able to enjoy our Family Fit Night on March 26th. We have so many more events to look forward to this Spring as well so come on out to Commonwealth happenings and have fun! Of course, all of us will continue to work hard as we prepare for our upcoming assessments. Our teachers are working diligently to monitor student progress so that we can add value to each of our students every day. And, I know that Commonwealth parents are partners in our commitment to nurture and challenge our students – thank you!
 
Before I go, I want to share with you my vision for Commonwealth. It is nothing new but just a new way of looking at what is already happening here at our school. As I have interacted with students, teachers, parents and staff, I can see that the following desires are in place;
 
The desire to learn and grow.
 
The desire to create and innovate.
 
The desire to make a positive difference.
 
The desire to stay connected.
 
The desire to work hard and have fun.