I feel honored and privileged to be a part of the Rose Hill community as your principal. I have already learned how incredibly dedicated the Rose Hill staff members are to our students, families, and community. I look forward to working with you, and all of our school community members, to continue the Rose Hill tradition of academic success and developing our children as unique individuals.
Although I have spent most of my career working in the Seattle School District at the middle level, I am excited to have the opportunity to now work at the elementary level. After graduating from Willamette University with my Master’s in Teaching, I began my teaching career in 1997 serving 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students as a language arts, reading, and social studies teacher. After ten years as a teacher, I served as the Title I Coordinator for one year, then four years as an Assistant Principal at the same school. As an Assistant Principal focused on building wide literacy initiatives, I worked closely with teachers across content areas to create a balanced literacy program that included Lucy Calkin’s Reading and Writing Workshop curriculum. I had several opportunities to travel with teams of teachers to participate in literacy institutes at Teachers College, Columbia University. Watching students develop their reading and writing skills is one of my favorite things about being an educator.
When I am not at school, I am mom to two little boys, ages 3 and 6, who keep me very busy. Together we like to explore parks, read, and swim. This summer we spent time in the San Juan Islands getting sand in our toes and uncovering tide-pool creatures, leading me to the conclusion that city kids need to get out more often! I also completed my first half Ironman triathlon this summer, which was far more challenging than I expected.
Supporting our children in their schooling and in their lives is the heart of our work together. As a parent myself, I share the high expectations that you have for school leadership including rigorous and relevant learning opportunities for your children. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or schedule a meeting if you have a concern regarding your child. Here’s to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hodges