Principal's Message

Principal

Terri Slattery, Principal


Dear Sugarmill Elementary Families and Communities,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. I am so excited to begin another amazing year. This will be my seventh year as the principal of Sugarmill Elementary. I am passionate about education and love the students at SES. I continue to be excited and honored to be a leader in this great school. We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential. We are so fortunate and blessed to have the exciting opportunity to work with your child and to make a difference in his/her life.

Sugarmill is among the finest in our system and state. We are routinely recognized for educational excellence. Such recognition doesn’t occur by chance. It is the result of three things: motivated students, caring parents/guardians, and dedicated faculty and staff members. I believe that the real strength of Sugarmill Elementary lies in the collective talents of an exceptionally well-trained and dedicated faculty and staff. While I publicly proclaim the classroom teacher’s role in the successful schooling of children, anyone who knows anything about public school knows that parents, volunteers, office support staff, child nutrition staff, teacher assistants, custodians, and bus drivers play important roles in creating a school environment that is safe, clean, and conducive to student learning. At Sugarmill, all jobs are important and each of us contributes directly to the welfare of our children. As parents or guardians, thanks for all you do!

During this school year we will work to ensure that our students have the tools necessary to be successful, by providing high quality teaching and learning. Our work will continue to align with our vision and mission of building strong and meaningful relationships, and providing rigorous, effective instruction for our students. We will continue to prioritize instructional time in order to give our students what they need to be successful now, and at the next level. To ensure a great start for the year we will analyze student performance data, identify successful strategies for teaching, and reaffirm our commitment to make Sugarmill an environment that reflects high expectations and opportunities for our students. We will display our commitment to education and the success of each child, and will seek to nurture a strong partnership between home and school, to ensure a high-quality instructional program where all students are learning and thriving.

To be successful in school, our children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities. We ask that you guide and support your child’s learning by ensuring that he/she:

1) Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience

2) Completes all homework assignments given by teachers

3) Reads daily to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills

4) Shares school experiences with you so that you are aware of his/her school life

5) Informs you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject

6) Knows that you expect him/her to succeed in school and go on to college

 

I ask that you partner with us and reach out to teachers, staff, and administrators when you need help, have a question, or are concerned. We will do our best to resolve your concerns in a timely manner. In return, I request that you extend kindness and patience as we seek the answers to questions and meet everyone’s needs.

 

The website below will serve as a general guide to all parents and students at Sugarmill Elementary. I believe you will find it a valuable resource. You will find general information about the school including school calendars, enrollment information, lunch menus, bus routes, contact information for all staff, and information on a variety of resources and programs available to students and families. Your involvement and interest are vital and play an integral role in each student’s success.

Schools are successful when they help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. For this to happen, it is imperative that we have a safe environment that is supportive and conducive for growth. By setting forth clear social and behavioral expectations and directly teaching students about those expectations, it is our goal to create a positive atmosphere for optimal learning.

These are the behavioral expectations for all Sugarmill Eagles:

WE ARE EAGLES!

We are RESPECTFUL!

We are RESPONSIBLE!

We are SAFE!

We SOAR!

It is very important that you and your child are fully informed regarding SES expectations related to appropriate behavior for a safe and productive school year. Please review the handbook at here.

Again, we welcome you to Sugarmill Elementary and to our wonderful learning community . . . a place where Eagles SOAR!

The wonderful Sugarmill staff and I, feel privileged to be a part of this school family. We thank you for your support and look forward to meeting you.

Here’s to an AWESOME new school year as we work together to continue to make our school a great place to work and learn each day!

Sincerely,

Terri Slattery,

Ed. S. Principal Sugarmill Elementary

912-882-8191 [email protected]