Dear Falcon Families,

I hope that your summer is off to a great start with vacation fun, summer camps, rest, and time together as a family!  I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of the 2023-2024 school year and to have had the opportunity to serve our students alongside of our phenomenal teachers and staff and to have partnered with each of our Falcon families this year.  The end of the school year is bittersweet as celebrate a wonderful year, but we also farewell to our 4th graders, celebrate the retirements and new opportunities of some of our staff members. 

This week, as the building has been quiet, I have had the opportunity to reflect upon the year we have had, the memories, and the experiences from the year. It has been a pleasure to have been embraced as a part of the FES family and to have experienced the many traditions of excellence that make FES the place to be.  My focus during this first year as principal has been to observe and to learn everything FES and to hear from different stakeholders throughout the year on what makes our school great, and to identify things that we can do to continue to improve up on the learning experience for our students. I am incredibly proud of the ways in which our students have grown throughout this year as learners, in their talents, and in character!  You have raised wonderful children and it is a privilege to get to work with them each day.  I am grateful to work with the BEST teachers, engaged families, and of course, the WONDERFUL students each day and appreciate your partnership and trust this year. I am proud of the actions and progress we made this year on our Campus Improvement Plan (shown below) and the ways in which we were able to build upon our instructional focus, our partnership with families, and the recognition of excellence in our staff!  

This summer, the administration team will be focusing upon planning and preparation for next year in maintaining the things that make our school the place we know and love, and working on continuing to improve upon student growth, communication, family partnerships, and support of our students and teachers.  We will continue to build upon the tradition of excellence in the 2024-2025 school year with some adjustments to processes, instruction, and a focus on solidifying foundational skills in math and writing, among many other exciting things that will help our students continue to improve and to have the BEST learning experience possible. Be on the lookout in early July for our next newsletter and more information about the upcoming school year including new staff members and other exciting things! 

I wish you and your family an enjoyable and safe summer!  I look forward to seeing all that our 4th grade students accomplish as they move on to BCI, and send best wishes to all of our students who are moving or relocating.  I look forward to welcoming our returning students and our new kindergarteners back in August! 

In Falcon Spirit!
Courtney Brandel