Dear Friends, Let me begin by welcoming everyone back for the Academic Year 2021 - 2022. I am thrilled to be a part of SMA, and as my first year as Principal, my pride and joy knows no bounds. Being the head of an institution is a daunting job, and despite having fulfilled the role of a school leader for many years now, each new institution brings its own challenges and opportunities to create a unique imprint.
The identity of our children define our role as a school, and every Principal looks forward to seeing his children come back to school excited, and eager with the anticipation of learning something new. I love being the Principal of SMA and daily appreciate the multifarious opportunities that I have to work with the staff, the students, and their families.
This school year, I intend to engage the teachers at SMA in complex and intricate connections between teaching practice and student outcomes, and help nurture a classroom and school culture, in which students feel in control of their own learning. Needless to say, the shaping of students is a great statement of adults' collaborative work and shared vision. Hence, as parents and grandparents, your perspective on how to mould a child is as powerful as that of the school. Thus, I welcome your insights on the joys, struggles, and growth your child experiences this school year.
We know that when good behavior and good teaching come together, our students excel in their learning. We have established clear rules for the behavior we expect from the students of our school, in all aspects of their lives - be it classroom or playground, school campus or their own home. Each school year, very explicitly, we make our students aware of the expectations we have from them, and reward them frequently with positive feedback. At any given moment, a child should be able to answer, "What are the rules at school?" "How do you follow the rules?" "What happens when a teacher sees you following the rules?"
Our school rules are designed specifically to create a safe school environment, and to give more emphasis on discipline. By detailing every expected behavior and teaching the kids through positive reinforcement, we provide a very comfortable environment for academics. At SMA, we believe that by helping students practice good behavior, we can build a school community where all students have an environment where they can succeed and grow.
Another focus area is reading. It is our goal is to increase the reading achievement of each student and aim at improving achievement outcomes for all students. This supports our commitment to help each student become the best version of himself/herself.
Each new school year is full of promise, and I believe each of you plays a vital role in fulfilling that promise. I am proud of this learning community and have faith that SMA can serve as a model of what is good and exemplary for students, families, and educators alike. I am eager to begin and join that work... to explore endless new possibilities... And to discover new horizons... together.
Principal