Dear Parents and Community Members,

As the new Principal, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents, community members and staff for their warm welcome. Clearly, Asa C. Adams School is a learning culture with a rich history of offerings for students. I am truly honored to be here and look forward to meeting you and getting to know every student.

For those of you who were unable to attend the community interview, I will reiterate my leadership approach as simply ‘culture-before-strategy’. Based on organizational culture research and my own work in the field, I believe schools thrive when every stakeholder is valued and part of a shared vision. This requires a focus on creating and sustaining a positive culture. My experience includes Teacher in Grades One and Five, Grade Nine English Teacher, Gifted Talented Coordinator K-12, Elementary and Middle School Principal, Supervisor of Instruction K-12, and Lead Instructor with the University of New England teaching Motivational Theory and Classroom Management.

One fascinating initiative that attracted me to Asa C. Adams School are the Habits of Mind, which data suggests is an effective way to help students build important life skills. Our new rotating schedule will improve content learning time and provide greater instructional continuity. The diverse offerings of our specials will include the introduction of our ‘Fab-Lab,’ a S.T.E.A.M.-based environment that promotes critical and creative thinking in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. With the addition of iPads in Kindergarten to Grade 2, Chrome books in Grade 3, and the MLTI laptops in Grades 4-5 our students can access a structured digital environment that is safe and secure. On a related note, our technology upgrades in facilities will also vastly improve internet capabilities.

As always, the human element is the most important part of best-practice teaching. Building positive relationships is essential, particularly among young children. Please know that the staff at Asa C. Adams school is highly student-centered, will make accommodations for your child(ren), and ensure that they can learn in multiple ways and in different timeframes. Our emphasis on specific, research-based frameworks such as Lucy Calkins Writing, Everyday Mathematics, and NextGen Science will provide students with a common language that will support them in continuing grade level advancement.

Finally, always know that I encourage you to be partners in the education of your children with us. I hope you will participate in the many activities and presentations throughout the year. The staff welcomes volunteers and collaboration with educational institutions. Again, I am honored and excited to be a part of the RSU 26 community and look forward to making this year an extraordinary, joyful learning experience.

Sincerely,

Darren J. Akerman, Ed. D