Principal's Message
By Mrs. Ashley Groeneveld, Elm Middle School Principal
My name is Ashley Groeneveld and I am excited to write this as I enter my third year serving as the principal of Elm Middle School. I look forward to building on my relationships with all of our students, families, staff and Elmwood Park community as we engage our students in their learning throughout this academic year.
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you and your student to the Elm Middle School community for the 2022-23 school year or the "Sweet Life" as we are affectionately calling it. Elm Middle School is a very special place, in that it is the first time children across Elmwood Park community join together to create a united community of learners.
We recognize the unique experiences each of our students bring to Elm Middle School and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to nurture a collaborative, warm environment to support our students as they transition from elementary into middle school.
At Elm Middle School, our entire staff's goal is to provide all of our students with a nurturing environment in which they can take risks as learners, feel both challenged and supported in their academic endeavors, and build meaningful relationships with others. Furthermore, being that our students are at a most important stage in their lives, Elm Middle School recognizes the importance of social-emotional learning to ensure our students' needs are met not only in the classroom but far beyond. I look forward to seeing each and every student grow not only academically but taking time to participate in one or more of the many after-school clubs and activities Elm Middle School offers.
We strive to create structure through our use of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and strengthen students within our community by using restorative justice. This year Elm will continue to grow in this area, setting expectations and norms in every space and place in our learning community and celebrating every step of the way! Get ready for an action packed year of learning, fun and excitement!
I look forward to communicating with you about all things Elm as the year unfolds in my weekly newsletters, called the Cougar Courier. You can expect these newsletters each Friday.
The home-school partnership is incredibly important in supporting our growing learners. I look forward to partnering with you to support your child on this journey. As always, if you have any questions, concerns or anything you'd like to discuss, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.