Parent-Teacher Conferences: A Time for Celebration and Growth
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,
I am writing to express my gratitude for your support and participation in our parent/teacher conferences last Friday. Your engagement and partnership were instrumental in making these important conversations meaningful and productive for all involved. The discussions, feedback, and collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the conferences truly exemplify the power of strong school-family partnerships.
The Research on School-Family Partnerships
Research consistently shows that meaningful family engagement in education correlates strongly with improved student outcomes. According to a comprehensive review by Henderson and Mapp (2002), when schools build partnerships with families that respond to parent concerns, honor their contributions, and share decision-making responsibilities, students achieve more and schools improve. Specifically:
- Students with involved parents, regardless of income or background, are more likely to earn higher grades, attend school regularly, have better social skills, and graduate to pursue higher education
- When families, schools, and community groups work together, children tend to do better in school and stay in school longer
- The most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is the extent to which their family is able to create a home environment that encourages learning and communicate high expectations for their children's achievement
Your participation on Friday directly contributes to this powerful partnership that benefits our students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Celebrating Women's History Month
As we enter March, our district joins the nation in celebrating Women's History Month. Throughout the month, our students will be learning about remarkable women who have shaped our world through their courage, intellect, and determination.
Some of these influential women include:
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Supreme Court Justice who spent her legal career advocating for gender equality and women's rights
- Katherine Johnson - NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of U.S. crewed spaceflights, including John Glenn's historic orbit of Earth
- Frida Kahlo - Revolutionary artist who used her work to explore questions of identity, gender, class, and race in Mexican society
- Malala Yousafzai - Education activist who, at age 17, became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of education rights for all children
- Jane Goodall - Primatologist and anthropologist whose 60-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees is considered one of the longest continuous wildlife studies in history
I encourage you to engage with your children about the women who have made a difference in fields that interest them. These conversations reinforce the importance of recognizing diverse contributions to our shared history and inspire our students to pursue their own paths with determination.
Important Announcement: New Elementary Principal
I am delighted to share that we have hired Erica McColl as our new elementary principal, pending board approval. This appointment represents an exciting step forward for our district, and I want to express my gratitude for your feedback and support throughout the selection process. Ms. McColl brings outstanding qualifications and a student-centered approach that aligns perfectly with our district's mission and values. We look forward to seeing her continue to impact our community
.
Thank you again for your continued partnership and support of our school community. Together, we are creating an environment where all students can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
With appreciation,
Shannon Leatherwood Superintendent
CES Staff Spotlight: Shelly LaRue
If you’ve ever walked into the Coupeville Elementary School office with a question, a problem, or just needing a friendly face, chances are you’ve met Shelly LaRue, our incredible Administrative Secretary. She’s the go-to person for staff, students, and families—keeping the school running smoothly while juggling a thousand moving parts. Shelly is knowledgeable, reliable, and fiercely dedicated. Whether she’s arranging staff coverage, guiding new employees through procedures, or ensuring every student and parent feels welcome, she does it all with grace, efficiency, and a knack for problem-solving. Colleagues describe her as “the glue of CES,” a master multitasker, and someone who always puts others first, even in the busiest moments. Need something done? Shelly is already on it. Need a solution? She’s probably already found one. CES wouldn’t be the same without her, and we’re beyond grateful for everything she does. Thank you, Shelly, for making CES a better place every single day!
On Friday, March 14th, our 7th Grade Washington State History classes will embark on an exciting field trip to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle. Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools, all ticket and transportation costs are covered! To participate, students must submit a signed permission form to their history teacher by Thursday, March 6th. Want to join the adventure? We need 12 district-approved chaperones to help make this trip a success! If you're interested in chaperoning—or have any questions—please contact Ms. Austin (maustin@coupeville.k12.wa.us) or Mr. Volkman (bvolkman@coupeville.k12.wa.us). We can’t wait for another fantastic trip!
