Author’s Note: A few weeks back, we collected questions from the community for Stacy Brinkley, the new principal at KSES. We just received her answers. Unfortunately, I only sent nine questions over instead of ten. My apologies to Happy Parent for leaving out a  question that was voted up. In any case, here are her answers to your questions.

I want to start by saying that many questions can not be fully answered at this time because I have not had the opportunity to meet with the faculty and staff as well as the parents and community members of Kingston Springs.  I am truly excited about this opportunity and cannot wait for the upcoming school year to start.

What are your goals for KSES?
My personal goal for Kingston Springs Elementary is to have a place where students feel safe and eager to learn.  The school’s mission is something that is also close to my heart.  The mission wants to make sure students are prepared for the next step of their journey which is middle school.  In order for students to feel successful they need to be prepared.  I want students from Kingston Springs to not only be prepared for middle school, but for life and to become lifelong learners.

What are your top priorities for KSES?
My top priorities are to move children forward in all academic areas, but specifically in Reading and Math.  One of the county goals is for all students to be reading on grade level by 3rd grade.  This is not only a goal, but also a necessity.  Another county goal is for students to be on grade level in math by 8th grade.  In order to meet this goal we all as educators, parents, and community members need to focus on number concepts and rationale to give our students an advantage.

What is your interpretation of Dr Webb’s vision for Cheatham County Schools?
Dr. Webb’s vision is for our county to move forward. His goals are very demanding, but necessary for the success of our students.  He is looking into the future and what our students in Cheatham County need to be productive citizens.  I am very excited that our students in Cheatham County will get the opportunity to receive college credit during their high school experience.

How and will you plan to incorporate the arts into KSES?
Kingston Springs has an exceptional history and tradition for incorporating the arts.  I want to continue the previous traditions as well as add a few others. I hope that each month we can provide some type of performance as well as educational experience after school or tied into our PTO meetings.

What is your teaching style and philosophy on how students learn?
I personally believe that knowing your students and how they learn is the best way to reach and motivate them to do their best. All students can achieve and be successful.  I believe that a teacher should celebrate successes no matter how small and reevaluate things when they are not getting the results that matter.  I am very data and research driven.  Teachers need data to know where they are at a certain point, and they need research to help them get to the ultimate goal at the end. Students learn so much differently today, than we did as children.  Kingston Springs has technology to motivate children while enhancing their academic experience.

What is your supervising style of staff and teachers?
My role in the past has not been as a supervisory role, but my personality takes that on without a title.  I like input from all parties involved and like my decisions to be based on some type of data.  I believe in sharing common goals and those goals need to be agreed upon by all.  I am not afraid to admit that I make mistakes and am willing to try new things to reach the set goal. I want the school community to truly care about outcomes and do the best to our ability to make a difference in the lives of children.

What part do you think parents and the community play in a school?
Parents and community are both a valuable and irreplaceable part of the school.  Learning starts at home and a parent is the best asset a school can have. I encourage parent involvement both during the school day as volunteers and after school as advocates for learning.

After talking to several parents this year, will you have a policy in place to make sure all teachers are putting grades into Pearson in a timely manner? If so, what do you think it will be? I have heard from many parents that some grade levels had new grades placed every couple of days to some grade levels having the grades placed the night before progress reports and report cards. It’s a concern because parents want to help their children and not all papers sent home in their folders are counted toward grades. It’s then too late to help the students.
This is a question that I cannot fully answer without others input.  I completely understand the concerns about grades being entered the night before progress reports.  I have two children myself, and constantly check Pearson for grade updates.  I do feel that this is something that needs to be addressed and some type of “policy” put in place.  I do not know what the exact procedures will be, but I will notify all parents when an understanding is agreed upon.

What message will you leave with your coworkers from your old school?
My previous school is family to me and I hope that I develop the same type of relationships at Kingston Springs.  I want my former coworkers to know how they have molded and shaped my life through friendships and professional experiences.  We only grow when we are challenged to be our best and that is what West Cheatham did for me.