Principal Parker reading the Book of the Month to Highwood Hills students.

Dear Highwood Hills Parents and Families,

My name is Linda Parker and I would like to introduce myself as the new principal of Highwood Hills Elementary School.  

I began my career in education as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools.  I was fascinated with how students and adults learn, so I went back to school and earned my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.  Shortly after that, I became the coordinator of curriculum and instruction for the school.  After a couple of years as coordinator, I began to seek employment in Minnesota.  Very thankfully, I was hired by St. Paul Public Schools during the 2000 school year.  I worked at Bruce F. Vento Elementary School as the staff development and assessment coordinator.  Again my love of learning took me back to school where I earned my educational specialist degree in education administration.  I was promoted into administration as an assistant principal at the same school.

I feel very fortunate to begin my career as a principal at Highwood Hills Elementary School.  One of my goals is to continue the positive school culture that is already established here.  These first few months of school, our staff have come together to discuss the successes and the struggles of Highwood Hills.  As a team, we will address all challenges head on and accept no excuses for anything but the best from ourselves, our students and from you, our parents and families.  Educating children is a team sport, and we need all the players on the field!

Another one of my goals for the year mirrors the school district focus to accelerate academic achievement.  You may already know that Highwood Hills did not make adequate yearly progress (AYP) on the 2009 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA).  However, this does NOT mean we did not make gains.  The state looks at MCA scores, suspension rates and attendance.  We had gains in all of these areas.  In fact, we exceeded expectations for attendance and for participation on the MCA.  What this data tells us is that we all need to work together, as a team, to ensure that we reach each child, at their academic level, and move them forward without exception and without excuse!

As the school year progresses I'm getting to know all of the students who attend Highwood Hills Elementary School as individuals and as learners.  I'm also getting to know their parents and families, as well.  Please don't hesitate to stop in and introduce yourself.  Our Highwood Family is always welcome!

Yours in partnership,

Linda G. Parker