August 2010
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year. "Lafayette Elementary is on a brilliant path. Keep on shining," are the last words Dr. Holly Hultgren, the previous principal, wrote in the May 2010 Lafayette Lookout. I agree with this statement and am honored to become part of the excellence at Lafayette Elementary School. We will keep on shining!
In February of 2010, I was named the principal of Lafayette. Dr. Hultgren and I worked closely from April to June to assist in a smooth transition. I was able to attend staff meetings, principal coffee and chats, the Learning Fair, PTA meetings, and assemblies. This time was invaluable, and it was a true honor to learn from an amazing woman and leader like Dr. Hultgren. Lafayette has made remarkable growth in the past five years. It’s obvious from listening to students, parents and staff that EVERYONE is committed to the success of our students. Cougar pride is everywhere!
My journey to this point in time began in 1996 when, after teaching for a year in New Jersey, I moved to Boulder to work on my Master’s Degree in literacy and to enjoy climbing the beautiful mountains. During my time in Colorado, I have also worked in Adams County School District 14 as a Literacy Specialist and Title I Literacy Coordinator. Being in these leadership roles helped me realize that I wanted to become a principal. I returned to the elementary classroom for three years while I worked on my principal’s license. Prior to joining Boulder Valley School District, I was the Principal of Skyline Vista Elementary School in Adams County School District 50 for five years.
Even though I began my teaching career over 15 years ago, I have the excitement and enthusiasm of a brand new leader. One of my favorite stories from my first teaching experience was that I was charged the student price for lunch for the first few months because I looked as old as my fifth graders. I tried to get away with this when I became a principal, but it didn’t work. Luckily, the job hasn’t aged me too much.
Family is very important to me and I look forward to getting to know all of the Lafayette families. My husband, Matt, two children, Sammy and Leda, and Jersey, our dog, live in Louisville. My mom, otherwise known as Granny Pat, lives three blocks from Lafayette Elementary School. For me, becoming the principal of Lafayette is a dream come true. I am coming to an extraordinary school where I will be able to do the job I love and be close to my children. Granny Pat takes care of my five month old, Leda, while I am at work and Sammy attends preschool in Louisville. He is three years old and loves reading books.
I mentioned earlier that I came to Colorado to climb, however I don’t get to the rocks and mountains as much as I used to. Fortunately, running is another favorite activity of mine and this can be done at any time in the day which helps with a busy schedule. I have run ten marathons including running the Boston Marathon in 2001 and 2005. My personal goal is to run the Boston Marathon again when I am 40, so I have three years to train and qualify.
My focus is on Lafayette students and helping all of our students exceed their potential. In August, Lafayette Elementary will be in the process of reviewing school data to determine a focus for our upcoming school year. The partnership we have with our parents is an integral part in helping us achieve our goals. Your input and insights are extremely important. Please visit or set up an appointment any time during the year to celebrate, share ideas or concerns, and/or ask questions. The parent involvement and commitment to excellence is wonderful. Thank you for all that you do for our school.
It’s an honor and a privilege to become the principal of Lafayette. The talented and highly qualified staff go above and beyond each day to be the best they can be for your students. I look forward to getting to know everyone and to all of us sharing a wonderful 2010-2011 school year. Our future is so bright, C.T., our mascot, needs to wear shades.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jackman
P.S. Please come to a Principal Coffee Chat. For more information check our the Principal Coffee Chat Page.