Welcome to Central Elementary!

Dear Central Elementary Families,

Welcome to a new school year! I am incredibly excited and honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Central Elementary. As we begin this school year together, I want you to know how excited I am to become part of the Central Elementary family and the Baxter Springs community.

I have spent the past 26 years working in public education, including 12 years as a music teacher, 10 years as a principal, and 4 years as a superintendent. Throughout my career, I have learned that the most important part of education has never been a program, a building, or a position—it has always been people and relationships.

One word that has become especially meaningful to me throughout my career is building.

I believe a great school community doesn't simply happen. It is built—one relationship, one conversation, one classroom, and one student at a time.

This year, I want us to focus on building Central Elementary together.

We will build strong relationships between students and teachers. We will build a culture where students feel safe, valued, respected, and encouraged to be their very best. We will build responsibility, confidence, kindness, and perseverance in our students.  We will also build strong relationships between our school and our families. I believe parents and guardians are an essential part of a child's education, and our students benefit tremendously when school and home work together.

Every child who walks through our doors should know that there are adults here who care about them, believe in them, and want to see them succeed. We may all have different roles within our school community, but we share the same purpose: doing what is best for kids.

Building a strong school community also means that we will continue to grow. We will celebrate our successes, learn from our challenges, support one another, and always look for ways to become better.

Let's build something special together!

Sincerely,

Ray Streeter
Principal
Central Elementary