August 2008
Greetings! My name is Christine Avery and I am excited to begin another year
as principal of Meadowdale Middle School.
This year, I intend to maintain a narrow focus on student achievement and
continue the momentum forward with best practices in curriculum, instruction,
and assessment. We will continue our work with collaborative teams of teachers
establishing a common and guaranteed curriculum that is taught to every student.
Each course will have one common assessment per trimester that is used as
a measurement of instructional strength and as a tool to identify areas of
curriculum development and instructional improvement. In addition, we will
continue to refine curriculum, assessment, and instructional strategies by
analyzing data to understand the needs of our diverse learners. I believe
that with our laser-like focus on reading, writing, math, and science combined
with our collaborative work with curriculum, assessment, and instruction MMS
will achieve academic success for every student.
It is my intention that we build a community and allow our school to become a central place of gathering for our families. Students need to become involved in extra-curricular activities, music, clubs, and sports to feel accepted, make new friends, and discover their unique talents. This is a wonderful time for parents to meet and make connections, as well. MMS has a thriving Parent Club that is eager to welcome new parents, music recitals to enjoy in the evening, and even family Bingo Nights to enjoy together. I hope that parents embrace these memorable years of adolescence and use this as a valuable time to open communication and develop compassion and respect for their rapidly growing and changing child.
It is important that teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents communicate frequently and quickly identify students who may need additional support. The middle school years are the time to develop, acquire, and refine skills, such as studying and goal setting. The fact is that middle school years are academically important and do count! The patterns, routines, and work ethic that your child develops in 7th and 8th grade will continue throughout their high school years.
I have worked in education for fourteen years. I began my career as a biology, integrated science, and leadership teacher at Monroe High School. For ten years in Monroe, I enjoyed serving as a Cheer Advisor, ASB Advisor, and Junior Class Advisor, because I was able to develop strong relationships with students and their families. In 2004, I accepted my first administrative position as Assistant Principal of Meadowdale High School. I loved my two years at MHS, because I adore the staff and I felt comfortable in the Meadowdale community. Now, that I begin my fifth year in Meadowdale, I am familiar with many families and I care deeply about strengthening this community with excellence in education.
I live in Woodinville with my supportive and loving husband, Brian, and our two children. Brian and I were raised in Kirkland and are both Huskies! Beri, my daughter, loves to snow ski, play select soccer, and play the drums. Drew, my son, enjoys swimming, snow skiing, and playing baseball, soccer, and basketball. As a family, we enjoy snow skiing, water sports, Lake Chelan, BBQ with friends & family, gardening, and walks to the park. I feel fortunate to have a healthy and happy family, as well as a wonderful career serving the Meadowdale community.
This July, I finished the Superintendent Certificate program at Seattle University.
I am excited to apply my new knowledge and experience to solving the educational
issues that we face at MMS and in the Edmonds School District. We all live
and work in a high stakes educational climate that makes this work stressful
and challenging. It is my hope to let teachers focus only on what they do
best; TEACH!
My career in education has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding –
thank you for letting me serve your children.
Welcome to Meadowdale Middle School and I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Christine Avery, Principal