Message from the Principal

Message from the Principal

Greetings Tahoma Elementary Families!

Nearly 100 years ago the first building was constructed on our campus, in preparation for opening as the original Tahoma High School.  In the years since, it has also served as both a junior high and a middle school.  Now, as I walk the halls of our school, its rich history is something that is highlighted for me. The stories I continue to hear about the education of our young people that has occurred here is inspiring.  I join you in being proud of our rich history… and in living out our school’s motto “honoring the past, building a legacy.”

Though my favorite topic is definitely not myself, I want to take a moment to share some about who I am. This fall will start my 27th year in education, which is hard to believe since in many ways it seems like I just completed my first year of teaching. In my career I have taught primary and intermediate grades and a good deal of adult learning courses as well. I have served as a reading specialist and an administrator in a couple of different capacities, as well as an instructional coach. Though my official title is Principal, I rather prefer the title “lead learner.” I think that it is more in line with what I do and better illustrates who I am. Perhaps that is one reason I haven’t left school since I started kindergarten! I was also raised in a family where both my parents were lifelong teachers and I spent time at Gonzaga University, Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University for undergraduate, graduate and post graduate work.

I am the fortunate father of one Tahoma student and two Tahoma graduates.  I am also the lucky husband of the Glacier Park Elementary Principal.  We’ve been part of this community for 27 years, and feel fortunate to call Maple Valley home.

Let’s build something special together this year!  I encourage you to volunteer in a classroom, join our PTO, and collaborate with your child’s teacher like never before.

If I have not yet had the privilege of meeting you, I look forward to that moving ahead. You have my absolute promise to do anything I am able to exceed your expectations in serving your children well. Keep in touch for anything at anytime, our partnership is key to our success.

In partnership,

Jerry Gaston
Lead Learner
Tahoma Elementary
instagram@tahomaleadlearner

 

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