July 15, 2009

Dear Parents and Families of Gainfield Elementary School-

I hope that your summer is going well and that you are enjoying the fine weather, now that it has finally arrived.  I am excited and honored to be the new principal of Gainfield Elementary School!  I wanted my first letter to you to highlight what brought me to Gainfield, and why I feel so fortunate to be here. 

When I applied for the principalship at Gainfield, I worked hard to learn a little bit about all of the different parts of this community.  Region 15’s reputation as an outstanding school district is well known in the area.  Gainfield, in particular, is referred to as having extremely hard-working students, a dedicated staff, and very supportive parents.  I can tell you that what I have seen and heard since I started has confirmed all of this.

I have been in education for the past thirteen years, all but one of those years have been at the elementary level (my first year teaching was in high school, after one long year there, I headed straight to the elementary school). Life in an elementary school is unlike that in any other kind of setting.  It is all of the “firsts” that make it so appealing to me: the sense of accomplishment when kindergarteners publish their first story, the satisfaction when third graders resolve a challenging math problem that appeared too hard to figure at first, the amazement when fifth graders conduct a science experiment that yields unexpected results.  In elementary school, students are learning to learn.  There is energy and a genuine sense of discovery that is a part of this process; anyone fortunate enough to be a part of this journey is very privileged indeed. 

Along with this privilege comes a great responsibility.  Adults that teach and guide children of Gainfield shape experiences that foster a sense of success and confidence.  Research shows that early school success is a critical factor in developing a child’s positive attitude towards lifelong learning.  Parents and teachers share in this responsibility and need to work together to create a school that is simultaneously inviting and challenging.

I also want to use this opportunity to let you know that my door is always open and that I am looking forward to getting to know your children, and you in the coming months.  Feel free to call, or email me, if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to say ‘hi’.  I hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to welcoming you all to Gainfield in the fall.

Sincerely,

Matt Salvestrini, Principal
Gainfield Elementary School

msalvestrini@region15.org