Dear AMS Parents,
The beginning of the school year is right around the corner and it is with great anticipation that we welcome you and your student to our school. Whether you are returning or this is your first year at Alderwood Middle School, we are excited to connect with you and your student so that we can support the needs and goals of all of our learners. The start of the school year has always been an exciting time of the year for me. With it comes the opportunity to set new goals, make new friends, and develop new habits which will lead to success.
As your principal, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about my educational experience. Last year, I had the honor to serve as the Principal of Alderwood Middle School and feel fortunate to work in an educational community of staff and parents who set high expectations for student learning and provide support to our learners so that they can achieve these goals. During the four years prior, I served in the role of Assistant Principal at Mountlake Terrace High School. During that time I had the chance to work with staff and students in a variety of capacities, including oversight of ASB/Athletics, 504s, and the Math and Science departments as well as attend many community events. Prior to this, I taught Science and Leadership for eight years at Poulsbo Junior High in the North Kitsap School District. While I do miss having my own classroom, I am honored to have the opportunity to work with all of the students here at AMS and to support the work of our talented staff.
As a staff, we are confident that Alderwood Middle will challenge your student academically and will help him or her to develop socially. Our focus as a staff this year will be on the use of assessment strategies to increase student literacy and mathematics skills. Students taking part in on-going reflection regarding their learning and using this information to set learning goals and gauge where they are in relation to the learning target are important elements in this process.
Forging a strong relationship between the school and home is beneficial to student performance and academic growth. Please take advantage of the formal and informal opportunities that you will have to become involved at Alderwood Middle. Despite what your student might tell you, we would definitely like you to be actively involved. You will hear about volunteer opportunities during Curriculum Night, but I also encourage you to stop by the Main Office to learn more about becoming an active member of our learning community.
I hope you and your family have enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions or concerns and we look forward to seeing your student on September 5th.
Sincerely,
Erin Murphy
Principal
(425)431-7582
