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Principal’s Message

Welcome to West Elementary School – Home of the Red Raiders! We are so excited to begin a new school year with each of you. Our hope is that every child will feel valued, loved, and respected every single day that they walk through our school doors. Our mission is to cultivate resilient, ethical learners and leaders who are engaged in the present and prepared for the future. We share “ONE” vision: To serve as a collaborative community of learners and leaders that develops core knowledge and skills to prepare students for individual success. We ARE “One Wamego”. 

I am honored to be afforded the opportunity to serve as the principal of West Elementary School! The students and families we serve are second to none. We have an incredibly strong staff that works together for the success of each child in our care. We strive to create an environment that supports all students and staff. The culture we work so hard to create includes establishing an atmosphere of “community” with every staff member taking responsibility for the success of the students we serve.

As a staff, we believe that educating the whole child is the key to success. This includes providing continuity of evidence-based instructional practices and common formative assessments, which are a focus of our Professional Learning Communities, as well as providing interventions and enrichment  through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports for students that need additional support and/or enrichment. Our core instruction is focused on direct, explicit instruction with curricula that is focused on the Kansas Standards and grounded in research. 

We know that helping students develop social/emotional skills is also key. We use the Character Strong PurposeFULL People Curriculum to support students in this area. PurposeFULL People is a Tier 1, universal, classroom-based curriculum that teaches foundational social-emotional and self-regulation skills to all students. PurposeFULL People teaches specific skills that help students develop social skills and conflict-resolution skills (BE KIND), executive functioning skills, like focus, organization, and goal-setting (BE STRONG), and emotional regulation and coping strategies (BE WELL). With these skills in place, students are better able to meet school-wide behavioral expectations and benefit from learning. The main topics of instruction include Kindness, Respect, Empathy, Cooperation, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courage, Gratitude, Honesty, and Creativity.

Our school also provides students the opportunity to extend their learning with technology by providing a 1:1 ratio of student iPads. Teachers work collaboratively in PLC teams to design interactive and effective lessons both with and without technology tools. Use of iPads is limited to ensure students receive ample opportunities for paper/pencil tasks, interacting with peers and staff, and time engaged in speaking, listening, and actively learning.

We also demonstrate a dedication to the fine arts and specialized classes like music, physical education, art, technology, STEM, library, and counseling classes, which demonstrates our commitment to educating the whole child.  Our goal is to lead our students in meeting their highest potential by providing rich, diverse, and rigorous learning opportunities that will help them achieve success beyond the school doors.

This is my 28th year as the principal of West Elementary School. Prior to my time in USD 320, I served as a teacher/principal at Havensville Grade School and Onaga Grade School in the USD 322 School District. My husband and I also run a cow/calf ranching operation and raise American Quarter Horses.  We have one son, who loves to help his dad with our ranch, when he is not in school or playing sports. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, riding horses, working cattle, reading, and supporting our Kansas State Wildcats in all sporting events!

My door is always open to our parents and guardians. If you should ever feel the need to speak to me regarding any questions or concerns you may have, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to communicate with you through any avenue that best meets your needs. We look forward to another great year at West Elementary School –Where students are developing their skills to be RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE in all they do in school and life!

Respectfully,

Amy R. Flinn

Principal, West Elementary School