Hello Strasburg Elementary School Student & Families,

My name is Carol Wethington.  I am the new principal at SES! I'm excited to be here and looking forward to this next school year; geting to know each of you, learning more about our community and watching you all grow and learn as much as you can!

I want to tell you a little about myself.  I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska.  I always knew I wanted to be a teacher so I went to college (Fort Hays State University in Kansas) to make that dream come true.  I taught in Garden City, Kansas for eighteen years.  I taught third, fourth and fifth grades.  My favorite subjects to teach were always reading and math but writing, science and social studies were fun too.  I especially enjoyed doing "projects" where students could be creative and develop something to show what they had learned - like a poster, a short story, or a map, for example.  I believe that students need to be allowed to own their learning and be able to show understanding of concepts in a variety of ways.

While teaching, I learned more about being a principal and thought that might be something I would like to do.  I went back to college (Kansas State University) to get a Master's Degree in Educational Leadersip.  I was a principal in Grand Junction Colorado for nine years before I moved and came to work at Strasburg Elementary School.  

I have a husband, four children and three grandchildren.  I love to swim and snorkel, read books, walk my dog but mostly I love the Denver Broncos!  They are my favorite sports team.  If you are wondering just how much I love them, come see my office!

I believe that the principal's office is a safe place to problem-solve. When students come to see me, we work together to solve whatever conflict has come up that has caused them to come to the office.  I know that honesty is the most important part of resolving conflict and that we have to be able to talk about situations to find solutions.  I also want students to come see me when they have a celebration - to share an amazing book they've read, to show me progress on an assessment or to talk with me about an accomplishment - I want to celebrate with students!

I am looking forward to meeting you, the students and families of SES, and hope you will take a minute to come and introduce yourself.

Sincerely,

Carol Wethington :)