GREETINGS Panda Nation!
I am excited to welcome you all to the 2024-2025 school year. Since joining the team, I have learned much about the great foundation in place here at University Park Elementary and I am eager to work side by side to continue our efforts to support students, staff, and community. My career in education began in 1995 as a 5th grade teacher. (Teacher, Dean, Academic Coach, Consultant, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director) I have served students in multiple Title I schools and played an integral part in elevating student performance, increasing social responsibility, and creating a culture of caring and of excellence.
Progress is measured in many ways and through intentional and aligned efforts we can ensure the work we do improves student outcomes. This year our work will be focused on a growth mindset in that we can all learn, do better, and improve continuously. Afterall, WE are ALL learners.
Our theme for this year will be “RISE”. What does that mean, you ask? To rise means to lift, to ascend, to increase, and to improve. Dough rises with time and the right ingredients, the tide rises in cycles with the moon, balloons rise when filled with the right mixture of gasses, the temperature rises with heat, and humans…we have the ability to rise to the occasion, when our mission is clear, our expectations are defined, and we have the support of one another.
I encourage you to stop by the school to meet the administrative team and the wonderful staff we have here at the UP. We believe that by working together, communicating regularly, and staying focused on our mission to educate all students to the highest levels, we can do extraordinary things.
I have included a small activity available in the front office, for those who wish to participate. Please think about a word or phrase that describes the letters in your RISE and bring this to the office or send in to your child’s teacher. Let’s have some fun and do great things!
Sincerely and Gratefully Yours,
Dr. Tracy Shenuski
