A message from Kristina Howard, Ockley Green’s new principal

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Hello Ockley Green Community,

My name is Kristina Howard, and it is with great pride and excitement I write this letter of introduction to you as the newly appointed principal at Ockley Green Middle School. Similar to the Ockley Green community, I have an unwavering belief that all students can succeed, and this belief guides every decision I make as a leader. 

Over the past 10 years, I have spent time in various roles in education as a high school math teacher, math instructional coach, and middle and high school assistant principal working to increase the achievement of all students. My most recent administrative experience was in Kent, Washington, where I was the principal of Excel Public Charter School and started the first high school within the Green Dot Washington network. Throughout my time as principal at Excel, I focused on creating and improving various areas within the school such as providing high quality instruction in every classroom; using data to create, execute, and adjust clear systems; implementing restorative justice into Excel’s PBIS system; executing the RULER social emotional learning program school-wide; and training staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion. My goal was for every student to feel included, safe, welcomed, and know their voice was heard. 

I make every decision based on what is best for all students and lead based on my set of core values. My values are community, collaboration, growth mindset, determination, excellence, and compassion. Student success is a collective effort and together we must be compassionate and determined in order to continue to grow and excel.

Over the past few weeks, I have been focusing on building strong relationships with teachers, staff, families, students, and community members. In collaboration with all stakeholders, I will celebrate all of the established areas of success and create a plan to continue moving forward. I will spend time listening to all stakeholders to gather feedback and use feedback and data to identify key priorities. In collaboration with stakeholders, we will create a plan which improves identified areas, creating more opportunities for success at Ockley for the 2018-19 school year.

I am so fortunate to be able to work with Ockley’s Administration Team consisting of three Assistant Principals this year. Every team member is first and foremost committed to serving all students at a very high level. We have already started working together and we are very excited for this school year. They are Regina Sackrider, Dr. Aaron Green-Mitchell, and Joshua Zeller:

• Regina Sackrider is a 17-year Portland Public Schools veteran who has experience in various roles such as Equity Program Administrator, Assistant Principal, Instructional Specialist, and Middle and High School teacher. Regina leads with love, compassion, relationship, humor, and her locus is always to do what’s best for our students. 
• Dr. Aaron Green-Mitchell is coming to Ockley from George Middle School where he was the School Site Support Specialist. Dr. Green-Mitchell worked on creating operation systems at George, implementing restorative justice practices, and partnering with various community organizations. Prior to George, Dr. Green-Mitchell served as a teacher leader and administrative intern at Mt. Scott Learning Center for ten years. 
• Joshua Zeller is coming from Beverly Cleary where he served as an Assistant Principal. Joshua has led restorative justice practices and coached teachers on high leverage instructional practices in his most recent role. Prior to Beverly Cleary, Joshua served in PPS roles such as ELA, SS, and self-contained teacher at various schools; ELA Achievement Coordinator and TOSA; and New Teacher Mentor. 

Please join me in welcoming our wonderful Administration Team for the ‘18-19 school year. We are so excited to begin what hope this will be the best year ever. Our doors are always open and we welcome and ask for your input. On that note, we will be hosting two Meet and Greet sessions (one in the morning and one in the late afternoon) on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Ockley Green Media Center. The purpose of this meet and greet is to allow you to meet the new Ockley Green Administration, provide feedback to us, and answer any questions that you may have. 

• Option 1: 9-10 a.m. in Ockley Green Media Center
• Option 2: 3-4 p.m. in Ockley Green Media Center

If you are unable to attend the Meet and Greet, and you would like to provide feedback to the Ockley Administration team, please complete the Google survey located here. Additionally, I want to share two more events that are taking place. On Saturday, Aug. 18 we will be hosting a Community Care Day at Ockley, where families, staff, and community members will help to create a more inviting outdoor space by spreading mulch in areas outside, pulling weeds, planting plants, etc. Also, Ockley will be hosting its Back to School Night on Sept. 13 from 6-7:30 p.m., where families will have the opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the school. Thank you again and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Kristina