Yolanda Coleman Selected as Principal at Quatama Elementary School

April 20, 2018

Dear Quatama Families,

As you know, we’ve been seeking a new principal for Quatama, subsequent to Mrs. Walters’ move to Witch Hazel Elementary School. Today, I am pleased to announce that Yolanda Coleman has been selected for the position. Her official start date is July 1, 2018.

Mrs. Coleman is currently serving as the assistant principal at Martin Luther King Jr. School (PK-8) in the Portland Public School District, a position she has held for the past three years. She began her career at the school in 2011 as a student management specialist and positive behavior coach. Then, in 2013, she served as both the school counselor and interim assistant principal. Next, Mrs. Coleman spent a year at West Sylvan Middle School as the assistant principal before returning to Martin Luther King Jr. School in 2015. Mrs. Coleman was named the Portland Public Schools Assistant Principal of the Year for 2015-16.

Mrs. Coleman is committed to creating positive communities and school cultures. She advocates for staff and supports their efforts as they increase their knowledge and skills through professional development, and she is passionate about equipping students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. In addition, she has experience in arts education and knowledge of STEM programs. I am confident she will do an excellent job at Quatama.

In the next week or two, Mrs. Coleman will visit the school so staff and students can meet her. Then on Thursday, May 3, at 6:30 p.m., she will attend the Coyote Community Club meeting so parents will have an opportunity to meet her as well. Please plan to attend so you can introduce yourselves and welcome her to your school.

Thank you,

Mike Scott
Superintendent

Spanish:

Yolanda Coleman fue seleccionada para ser la directora de la Escuela Primaria Quatama

20 de abril de 2018

Estimadas familias de Quatama:

Como saben, hemos estado buscando un nuevo director para Quatama, debido a que la Sra. Walters se irá a la Escuela Primaria Witch Hazel. Hoy, me complace anunciar que Yolanda Coleman ha sido seleccionada para el puesto. Su fecha oficial de inicio es el 1 de julio de 2018.

La Sra. Coleman está sirviendo actualmente como subdirectora en la escuela Martin Luther King Jr. (PK-8) en Portland Public School District, un cargo que ella ha ejercido durante los últimos tres años. Ella comenzó su carrera en esta escuela en 2011 como una especialista en supervisión estudiantil y como capacitadora de comportamiento positivo. Luego, en 2013, sirvió como orientadora escolar y subdirectora interina. Después, la Sra. Coleman estuvo un año en West Sylvan Middle School como subdirectora antes de regresar a la escuela Martin Luther King Jr. en 2015. La Sra. Coleman fue nombrada subdirectora del año escolar 2015-16 de Portland Public Schools.

La Sra. Coleman está comprometida a crear culturas comunitarias y escolares positivas. Ella aboga por el personal y apoya sus esfuerzos a medida que ellos aumentan sus conocimientos y destrezas mediante desarrollos profesionales, y con gran afán trabaja para equipar a los estudiantes tal que ellos alcancen sus metas académicas, profesionales y personales. Además, ella cuenta con experiencia en educación de arte y conocimiento de los programas STEM. Estoy seguro de que hará un excelente trabajo en Quatama.

En la próxima semana o en dos, la Sra. Coleman visitará la escuela para que el personal y los estudiantes puedan conocerla. Luego, el jueves, 3 de mayo, a las 6:30 p.m., ella asistirá a la reunión del Coyote Community Club para que los padres tengan la oportunidad de conocerla también. Por favor, planifiquen asistir para que puedan presentarse y darle la bienvenida a su escuela.

Gracias,

Mike Scott
Superintendente

Christy Walters Selected as Principal of Witch Hazel Elementary School

3/9/18 - Superintendent Mike Scott announced today that Christy Walters, current principal of Quatama Elementary School, has been selected as the new principal of Witch Hazel Elementary School, effective July 1, 2018.

Retired HSD administrators Janis Hill and Crystal Schmidt-Dipaola have been serving as co-interim principals of the school since the departure of former principal Jennifer Hernandez in October 2017.

Mrs. Walters started with the Hillsboro School District in 2006 as a Title I reading specialist and reading coach at Eastwood Elementary School, and site test coordinator at multiple locations. In 2010, she became an instructional coach at Witch Hazel Elementary School, where she spent four years and was instrumental in launching the school’s dual language program in the 2012-13 school year. In May of 2014, after spending two years on the Future Leaders team, gaining experience as a principal substitute, earning her administrative license, and serving as the interim principal of McKinney Elementary School, Mrs. Walters was named principal of Quatama.

At Quatama, Mrs. Walters has done an amazing job as an inclusive and active leader who is focused on the success of all students. The school has been nationally-recognized for its STEAM programs, and enjoys a vast network of parent and community partners that supports students and staff in a variety of ways.

The Quatama principal position will be posted from March 13-28, 2018, to allow sufficient time for interviewing and selecting a successful candidate by mid-to-late April. Human Resources staff will hold a feedback session at the school on Tuesday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. so they can gather input on the skills and qualities parents would like to see in the next principal.

Superintendent Scott expressed his confidence in Mrs. Walters’ ability to provide long-term stability and strong leadership to Witch Hazel Elementary School.

Dear Quatama Families,

It is with great pride and excitement that I am Principal of Quatama Elementary School. As I move into my first year at Quatama, I  feel blessed to be a part of such a strong child focused community. I am eager to begin the 2018-19 school year - it is sure to be special!

Our nationally recognized STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art & Math) program  creates a unique opportunity for each learner. We strive to bring relevant, real world experiences to each student, challenging them to think deeply about critical issues.  We work in close partnership with the Right Brain Initiative, Portland Metro STEM hub, the Oregon Zoo and many other community organizations. We have a strong support network-that network includes our families. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in and continue to invest, in making Quatama great! The Quatama staff are passionate, dedicated educators who set high standards of achievement so our kids can be successful. Good attendace is critical to that success, please help to support our program with on time daily attendance. We don't want to miss an opportunity to learn alongside your child. 

Thank you for trusting us. If you have questions or concerns that arise at any time, please do not hesitate to give your child’s teacher or me a call. Family support is a critical link to student achievement. We want to hear from you!

In partnership & service, 

Yolanda Coleman