Save the Date:

Mr. Jamel Lawera, Principal

                                                                                                                       

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

My name is Jamel Lawera and I will be the new Principal of Geer Park Elementary School for the 2019-2020 school year.  

Short Bio:

In 1999, I was hired as a Fourth Grade Teacher at  Henry Ford Elementary School. I also worked as a Resource Teacher there as well.  After eight years, I was hired as an Assistant Principal Intern at Maples Elementary School for one school year.  The following year, I went back in the classroom as a Third Grade Teacher for a few months at Geer Park Elementary School.  

When the opportunity arrived, I was then hired as an Assistant Principal at both Miller and William Ford Elementary Schools.  One year later, I became the Assistant Principal of Salina Intermediate School. I worked as the A.P. for two years.

I then applied for the Principal position of Salina Intermediate School and I was hired.  I worked for eight years as the Principal of Salina Intermediate School, until the end of the 2018-2019 school year.

For the 2019-2020 school year, I am the proud Principal of Geer Park Elementary School.  Home of the Dolphins! 

I am very excited to be at Geer Park Elementary School and start off the school year with everyone.  Thank you for being so welcoming.

I am looking forward to meeting everyone at Meet the Principal Event with Dr. Maleyko on Wednesday, August 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Location:  Media Center at Geer Park Elementary School

Sincerely,

Mr. Lawera

Mr. Lawera shared some information with the parents during today’s meeting.

1.  Below is a film that showcased Mr. Lawera and his team at his previous school.

You Are Welcome Here:  Supporting the Social and Emotional Health of Newcomer Immigrants:

https://www.colorincolorado.org/dearborn#video-arabic

A film showcasing the Salina Community.  Please click on the link above:

Mr. Lawera’s Iblog site from last year and while he was at his previous school.  Click on this link to learn more about Mr. Lawera.  Thank you.

2.  https://iblog.dearbornschools.org/laweraj/

3.  Mr. Lawera and his team were featured in a published book in 2016 titled: Reach the Highest Standard in Professional Learning: Resources.

The author wrote a case study on Dearborn which featured Salina Intermediate School. (Mr. Lawera’s Previous School)

The story is broken into 6 parts:

1. Support staff for teachers
2. PLCs
3. Saturdays
4. Additional learning time
5. Walk-Throughs
6. Reducing professional learning not an option.

Some Goals discussed today:

-Work Collaboratively                                -Support teachers

-Build positive relationships                    -PLC focus

-Positive school culture and climate   -Collaborative Leadership

As of September, these gates will be closed during arrival and dismissal times.  This will be safer for students as they walk to school and when they are walking home from school. 

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Reminders:  Please remind your child to cross the street at the crosswalks only.  

Please drive slowly when picking up your child after school.  Thank you 

School Playground: For the safety of all students, the playground is for school use only between the hours of 8:00 – 5:00 Monday-Friday. Thank you

Fall Newsletter – Geer Park:

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Friday, Oct. 18

8:45 – PTA Meeting in the Media Center

Note: Special Guest Speaker: Ms. Stover will discuss possible Kid’s Club Options

9:30 – Leadership Team Forum Meeting:

Agenda;

1. Parent Resources
2. Geer Park Behavior Expectations – New
3. Other(s)
4. Q & A

Thank you for attending our meetings this morning.

Having Kid’s Club at Geer Park was discussed.

We need between 17-20 families to sign up to start the program.

If you are interested, please contact the main office.

Thank you