Recognizing our principals this October--National Principals Month

 

Early Learning Director Amy Nelson, Jr. Sr. High Principal Jason Nelson, Jr. Sr. High Asst. Principal Jon Shray
Mike Morris Elementary Principal Kresta Byington, & Mike Morris Elementary Asst. Principal Alyssa Olsen

Great schools have great principals...

October is National Principals Month and I want to recognize our incredible principals at South Bend School District.  The building principals set the tone for the school they run and have one of the toughest positions in the district.  Principals provide educational leadership, and provide resources for quality teaching and learning while serving our community's students, parents and families.  

Our principals in South Bend are true professionals, work tirelessly to provide for the needs of students and staff, and they always work in the best interest of kids.  I am grateful for each one of these school administrators--they are good people, great leaders, and they love kids.

Kresta Byington, Principal, Mike Morris Elementary

Mrs. Byington has worked in education for 24 years, and is in her 17th year as principal.  Kresta is one of the hardest working people I have known in my career.  She is an example of a true servant-leader, always putting the needs of others before her own.  She is an excellent educator and excels at knowing what her students need to be successful.  Kresta is a great role model and mentor to others, is an ardent advocate for students, and would do anything to help the kids in her school.  She possesses insight invaluable to our team.   

Jason Nelson, Principal, SB Jr. Sr. High School

Mr. Nelson has been the principal at South Bend High School since 2010, and was worked in education for 24 years.  Jason is a great example of what every high school needs in a principal.  He is an excellent communicator, he inspires and maintains a culture where teachers and students are free to pursue and expand both curricular and co-curricular opportunity, he provides leadership that encourages the personal and academic development of his students, and he excels at seeing all sides of a challenge while facilitating creative solutions.  Jason has a great sense of humor, is always dependable, and cares for those he leads and serves.

Amy Nelson, Director, SB Early Learning

Mrs. Nelson has been with the district since 2010, and has lead our early learning program since 2015.  Amy works tirelessly to provide the very best for her students and staff, and has built our early learning program to be a leading example of quality pre-K education.  Amy is thoughtful, caring, and selfless in all aspects of her leadership.  She is a hard worker and excels in supporting her staff so that the very best services are delivered to students and families.  Amy is innovative, relentless in her pursuit of resources, and possesses a meaningful vision for early learning.

Jon Schray, Assistant Principal, SB Jr. Sr. High School

Mr. Schray has been the assistant principal at South Bend High School for the last three years and has worked in public education since 2008.  Mr. Schray oversees the district special education program and is the school athletic director.  Jon is a hard worker, strives to always provide for the needs of his students, athletes, and staff, and he is a great role model to all.  He has a tough job, though I have never heard him complain.  He has a genuine care for kids and never stops in his pursuit to provide the very best opportunities for all.  Mr. Schray is loyal, kind, and serves a vital role to the district.

Alyssa Olsen, Assistant Principal, Mike Morris Elementary

Mrs. Olsen is serving in her first year as assistant principal and is in her 10th year working in education, all at South Bend School District.  Alyssa is a hard worker, an optimistic educator, and is a positive role model to all.  She is always willing to serve any way she can, and strives to ensure every student is accepted, cared for, and loved.  Alyssa is well respected in our school and community, and is a staunch advocate for all students and staff.  She is always willing to learn, she is energetic, and is dependable.  Alyssa's future as a school administrator is bright.

I'd like to thank these school leaders for everything they do for our community and for our students.  They are among the best people I have ever worked with in education, and it is a privilege for me to work with them each day.  South Bend's principals embody all of what National Principal Month stands for, and they truly make a difference in the lives of many, day in and day out.

Please thank these individuals for the service they provide to South Bend School District when you see them.  Great job Kresta, Jason, Amy, Jon, and Alyssa!