Dear Beach Park Families and Community Members,
A school district is more than just buildings; it is a community of people dedicated to the growth and success of our children. As we look ahead to the next school year, we have spent significant time evaluating how to best utilize the incredible talent within our district to meet the evolving needs of our students.
Today, I am pleased to share an update regarding our leadership teams at Beach Park Middle School, Howe Elementary, and Oak Crest Elementary. These transitions represent a strategic "ripple effect" designed to match specific expertise such as dual language programming, special education, and collaborative leadership with the unique goals of each school.
Beach Park Middle School: A Collaborative Co-Principal Model
To provide our middle school students with the highest level of support during these critical adolescent years, the Board of Education has approved a Co-Principal leadership model.
Mr. Ray Porten joins our district as a new Principal. Ray is an experienced leader with a passion for student engagement and academic excellence.
Mr. Chris Anderson will transition from Howe Elementary to serve as Co-Principal alongside Mr. Porten. Chris’s deep roots in our district and his proven track record of fostering positive school cultures make him the perfect partner in this new model.
Ms. Heather Eickmeyer, formerly the Dean, will now serve as Assistant Principal. This shift ensures that our leadership structure at the middle school is robust and focused on instructional growth.
Howe Elementary School: Expertise in Innovation
With Mr. Anderson’s move to the middle school, we are excited to welcome a leader whose specialized background perfectly aligns with the programs at Howe.
Ms. Jennifer Convey will transition from Oak Crest to become the new Principal of Howe Elementary. Jennifer brings years of expertise in dual language programming and "school-within-a-school" models. Her vision will be instrumental in enhancing the innovative learning opportunities already in place at Howe.
Oak Crest Elementary School: Continuity and Internal Growth
At Oak Crest, we are proud to promote leaders from within who already know and love the students and staff of Oak Crest.
Ms. Alexa Young, currently the Assistant Principal, has been named the new Principal of Oak Crest. Alexa’s promotion ensures a seamless transition and maintains the strong momentum of the school’s current initiatives.
Ms. Brooke Turk will join the leadership team as the new Assistant Principal. Brooke is a highly respected educator in our district with vast experience in Special Education. Her expertise in supporting IEP implementation will be a tremendous resource for all Oak Crest families.
Our Commitment to a Smooth Transition
We understand that leadership is the strong foundation for a school. While these changes represent a new chapter, our mission remains unchanged: providing a safe, equitable, and high achieving environment for every student.
By strategically aligning our leaders' strengths from special education advocacy to dual language expertise we are ensuring that our "human capital" is invested exactly where it can have the greatest impact on your child's education.
In the coming weeks, each school will host "Meet the Leadership" opportunities. Keep an eye on your school’s calendar for dates and times to connect with these talented professionals as they work to maintain their current work while also planning for their future roles in the district.
Thank you for your partnership and for your continued trust in our District. Your partnership means everything to OUR students' success.
In Partnership,
Dr. Denise Wilcox
Superintendent