As the new school year approaches, Oak Crest Elementary's leadership team is focused on a simple but powerful goal: helping every child love coming to school.
Principal Alexa Young and Assistant Principal Brooke Turk may be serving in new roles this year, but both are familiar faces to the Oak Crest community. Together, they share a leadership philosophy centered on collaboration, service, and always keeping students at the heart of every decision.
"We're boots-on-the-ground leaders," Young said. "If something needs to be done, we'll do it. At the end of the day, it's all about what's best for kids."
That commitment extends beyond academics. This year, Young and Turk are excited to create even more opportunities for students to learn through curiosity, creativity, and hands-on experiences.
One priority is creating more opportunities for meaningful play and active learning. From STEAM experiences and community field trips to a new no-tech space for building, reading, creating, and imaginative play, they hope students experience the joy of learning while simply being kids.
"We want to create structures that allow kids to be kids, with varied experiences and opportunities," Young said. "We want them to learn, play, explore, and grow socially and emotionally alongside their academic learning."
Young brings experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal, while Turk has spent more than two decades serving Beach Park students and families. Together, they bring a blend of instructional leadership, classroom experience, and deep knowledge of the Oak Crest community.
As leaders, both believe in being present, approachable, and supportive.
For teachers, that means building trusting relationships, encouraging collaboration, and creating an environment where trying new ideas is welcomed.
"We want our staff to know they can come to us with anything," Turk said. "We want to work alongside them, solve problems together, and help them feel supported every step of the way."
Young added that she hopes teachers feel empowered to take thoughtful risks, learn from new experiences, and continue growing alongside their students.
For students, their goal is simple.
"We want kids to love school," Turk said. "If they love school, the learning will come."
That same spirit of partnership extends to Oak Crest families.
Young and Turk describe families as an essential part of the school community and hope to continue building meaningful relationships throughout the year. Whether volunteering at school events, participating in classroom activities, or sharing ideas and expertise, they believe every family has something valuable to contribute.
"Our door is always open," Young said. "We want to collaborate with families to make sure every child is getting what they need to be successful."
As they begin this new chapter together, Young and Turk are looking forward to welcoming students back for a year filled with curiosity, connection, and joyful learning.
"We're excited for what's ahead," Young said. "We want Oak Crest to be a place where students are excited to come every day, where families feel connected, and where everyone knows we're here to support one another."