Welcome to Lakeridge

 

Dear Lakeridge Families,

My name is Carlito Umali. I grew up in Skyway, graduated from Renton High School, and was an administrator down the street at Talley High School. This community means a lot to me because I know of the brilliance, possibility, and joy that is within us.

Assistant Principal:
I have the amazing honor to serve with our assistant principal, Mrs. Carlee Wyatt. She comes to us as an established assistant principal from Sierra Heights Elementary. Her experience with systems, school culture and climate, and all things recess will be of exceptional value to our community. She also has a background in powerful teaching and learning as she was an instructional facilitator supporting teacher development. 

Mrs. Wyatt and I are dedicated to values of community, deep learning, and joy. 

Community:
We believe that in powerful communities - powerful learning happens. Through the partnership with our educators, we will work hard to create a community that establishes strong expectations, learns about the unique skills that your students possess, and promotes leadership in each other. This upcoming school year, we have a lot of amazing returning staff who have dedicated their careers to supporting Lakeridge. We also have new staff who we need to welcome and who we can learn so much from. 

Deep Learning:
My experience as an educator and leader spans the grade of K-12.  Specifically, I worked in schools that transformed the learning experience through project based learning and STEM education. Mrs. Wyatt has extensive knowledge of math teaching and learning. She worked with schools to support teachers' professional growth through the Lab model. The feeling and excitement we saw in kids as they dug into deep learning experiences forever changed our careers. We believe that a successful Lakeridge student should be able to see how the lessons learned in class relate to life, career, 21st century skills, and beyond. Even in Kindergarten - I want students excited about what they learned and are able to explain it in their own way. In partnership with the staff, we will work to align our teaching to ensure that each student has the opportunity to thrive. 

Joy:
Lastly, I believe that Lakeridge has to create space for joy. Joy happens when students learn new things, accomplish goals, solve problems, and make new friends. We as elementary school educators have an incredibly powerful role in helping students fall in love with school. I know that down the line in their education that matters. Joy makes coming to school easier. And I heard that recess is everyone’s favorite subject- I hear that joy is abundant there. 

 

Mrs. Wyatt and I hope that this summer brings you and your family lots of rest, laughter, and joy. We are excited to meet you this upcoming school year. 

Peace,
Principal Umali and Assistant Principal Wyatt