Principal Corner

melissa.rodriguez@austinisd.org

512-414-3712

Hello, Eagles! 

This is my fifteenth year in AISD, during which I have been an elementary school teacher, worked as an elementary instructional specialist for K-5th, and served as an assistant principal.  I am eager to continue my passion for educating all students at Dorothy Linder Elementary.

I am a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where I received my Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development and Master of Education with a focus on social justice and equity. I am married with two wonderful children, ages 9 and 7, both of whom are students in Austin ISD, and a 5-year-old Yorkie. I enjoy jogging, dancing, family movie nights, and reading with my family. I am honored to be the principal of Linder and I am looking forward to getting to know and support the students, families, and staff at Linder Elementary! 

As an elementary principal, I have the privilege of collaborating with our amazing assistant principal, Mr. Mario Lira, M.Ed., to create a nurturing and inspiring school environment. Together, we harness our creativity, intelligence, and friendly approach to ensure positive outcomes for our students. From implementing innovative teaching methods to organizing engaging extracurricular activities, our shared goal is to empower our young learners and help them flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our vision at Linder is: At Dorothy Linder Elementary, all are safe, welcome, and prepared to be leaders through the care and collaboration of the Linder family.  

We hope that you will help us accomplish this goal by being involved in your child’s education. Parents are a key ingredient for the success of Dorothy Linder’s students.  You can be part of our school community by reaching out to teachers during teacher office hours, attending conferences, and talking with your student at home about their school work and what they are learning.  Encourage them to stick with it, even when it gets tough. In addition, we have many opportunities for family participation:

1) Join and actively participate in the PTA. Participation with PTA can be done creatively whether you have limited time or lots of time. There are many opportunities for you to be involved with the PTA and your help is needed. The Dorothy Linder PTA is essential in promoting the educational goals of the school and promoting a positive educational program. As a volunteer, room parent, board member, etc. you can make a meaningful contribution to our school and your child. Please reach out to our new Parent Support Specialist, Aniuzka Biddle at aniuzka.biddle@austinisd.org, if you are interested in supporting our school and joining our PTA.

2) Listen to the Weekly School Messenger, read our Linder Family Updates, and other school-wide communication. Every week, listen out for the DLE Weekly School Messenger that includes school and PTA events. Weekly newsletters are shared by our school and the teachers, and include teacher communications and school information. In addition, teachers will distribute classroom news and post information on their BLEND pages. Please visit our school website at http://linder.austinschools.org/, and visit our @LinderNest for regular updates, and access to teacher newsletters and class schedules.

The wonderful Dorothy Linder staff and I feel privileged to be a part of our Linder family. We thank you for your support. It is going to be an excellent year where we soar to new heights!

 Warmly,

Melissa Rodriguez

Proud Principal, Dorothy Linder Elementary

Estimadas familias de la escuela primaria Dorothy Linder,

¡Bienvenido de nuevo al año escolar 2023-2024! Estamos muy emocionados de trabajar junto con usted y su estudiante para hacer el mejor año hasta ahora.

Nuestra visión en Linder es: En la Primaria Dorothy Linder, todos están seguros, bienvenidos y preparados para ser líderes a través del cuidado y la colaboración de la familia Linder.

Esperamos que nos ayude a lograr este objetivo al participar en la educación de su hijo. Los padres son un ingrediente clave para el éxito de los estudiantes de Dorothy Linder. Puede ser parte de nuestra comunidad escolar comunicándose con los maestros durante el horario de oficina, asistiendo a conferencias y hablando con su estudiante en casa sobre su trabajo escolar y lo que están aprendiendo. Anímelos a que se mantengan firmes, incluso cuando se ponga difícil. Además, tenemos muchas oportunidades para la participación familiar:

1) Únase y participe activamente en la PTA. La participación con la PTA se puede hacer de manera creativa, ya sea que tenga tiempo limitado o mucho tiempo. Hay muchas oportunidades para que se involucre con la PTA y se necesita su ayuda. La PTA de Dorothy Linder es esencial para promover los objetivos educativos de la escuela y promover un programa educativo positivo. Como voluntario, padre de habitación, miembro de la junta, etc., puede hacer una contribución significativa a nuestra escuela y a su hijo. Comuníquese con nuestro nuevo especialista en apoyo para padres, Aniuzka Biddle, en aniuzka.biddle@austinisd.org, si está interesado en apoyar a nuestra escuela y unirse a nuestra PTA.

2)     Escuche el Mensajero de la escuela semanal, lea nuestras Actualizaciones para la familia Linder y otras comunicaciones de toda la escuela. Cada semana, escuche el DLE Boletín Mensajero Semanal que incluye eventos escolares y de la PTA. Los boletines informativos semanales son compartidos por nuestra escuela y los maestros, e incluyen comunicaciones con los maestros e información escolar. Además, los maestros distribuirán noticias sobre el aula y publicarán información en sus páginas BLEND. Visite el sitio web de nuestra escuela en http://linder.austinschools.org/, y visite nuestro @LinderNest para actualizaciones periódicas y acceso a boletines informativos para maestros y horarios de clases.

El maravilloso personal de Dorothy Linder y yo nos sentimos privilegiados de ser parte de nuestra familia Linder. Le agradecemos su apoyo. ¡Va a ser un año excelente en el que nos elevaremos a nuevas alturas!

Atentamente,

Melissa Rodriguez