A message from the Superintendent

March 21, 2012

Dear Emerson Elementary community,

Today I am excited to officially appoint Kristina Bellamy-McClain as your permanent principal.

Ms. Bellamy-McClain stepped into the role in July and has been instrumental in reinforcing the importance of high expectations for students and staff. She has brought strong instructional coaching support to the Emerson staff in both literacy and math. She also is working diligently with other principals within the Southeast feeder pattern to promote and encourage K-12 alignment of systems and academics.

Bree Dusseault, Executive Director of Schools for the Southeast region, conducted the community input process on Ms. Bellamy-McClain’s performance as interim principal. Feedback included discussions held with the Building Leadership Team, staff, families, and community, as well as a survey of staff, parents/guardians and the community in four languages. Individuals also submitted feedback through email.
 
Before coming to Emerson, Ms. Bellamy-McClain was an assistant principal at Denny International Middle School. Prior to her work at Denny, she was as an elementary school principal and teacher in the Anchorage School District. She also served as a school director for a six-week summer school in inner city Los Angeles.

Her professional preparation includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Masters in Elementary Education from Loyola Marymount University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Ms. Bellamy-McClain has many plans for Emerson’s future, including engaging all Emerson stakeholders in future visioning, building support and partnerships within the Emerson community, continued focus on student growth and closing the achievement gap.

I know Ms. Bellamy-McClain will continue to work with all of you to ensure success at Emerson Elementary.


Sincerely,


Susan

Susan Enfield, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools