Mary Cronin, principal, Rachel Carson Elementary
Kudos to Mary Cronin, Lake Washington School District’s “Staff Star” for November 2010.
Going to the principal’s office is not so scary if you are a student at Rachel Carson Elementary School in Sammamish. Principal Mary Cronin spends time visiting classes, working with and talking to the students in her school, making them feel more comfortable with her because they know her. When Mary walks down the hallway of her school, she often high-fives, jokes around with or hugs the kids and staff members as she walks by.
During a visit to the school last spring, Mary took visitors into Miss Anarde’s second grade class to read “He Came with the Couch” by David Slonim. This type of visit to classrooms was not just for the visitors.
“The kids are comfortable with Mary because she visits the classroom often,” commented Miss Anarde. The children laughed and offered comments that related to the story, and gave high-fives to Mary as she left the classroom.
Mary was nominated as a “Staff Star” because of the way that she values parents, staff and students. Mary listens, asks for feedback, and takes action based on input that she receives. She is encouraging and inviting. She plays games with students, visits classrooms frequently and is readily available for discussion. Her teachers say that she inspires them to help students reach their potential and beyond with a sense of humor and by creating an atmosphere of fun at her school.
Mary has worked to make Carson an open, honest and creative environment by making staff, students and parents feel safe, nurtured and respected. This effort has resulted in positive and significant learning opportunities for all.
This is Mary’s 13th year as a principal in LWSD. She was named the principal of Carson when it opened in fall 2008. Prior to that, she was the principal at Franklin for ten years, and served as the vice principal at Sandburg Elementary and Muir Elementary. In addition, she taught for six years at Mead Elementary and for six years prior to that in Long Beach, Calif. She also served as a YMCA program director for 11 years in California before becoming a teacher.
Congratulations to Mary for being LWSD’s Staff Star for November 2010.