Dear McKinney Families,

I am truly humbled and excited to serve the McKinney Community as the principal of this wonderful school.  Since starting as principal here in 2014, I have seen our school reach high levels of excellence.  In fact, we are recognized for our achievements by being named a Nationally Distinguished Title I School.  The reason for our success is simple: we have an amazing community.

Our expert staff is caring, passionate, and dedicated to the vision that "All McKinney Cougars will collaborate to reach their maximum academic and social potential through inspirational and intentional learning."  Our parents are involved and will approach working with the school with a positive attitude.  As a team, we most definitely accomplish great things.  

After growing up in the Wasatch Mountains of Salt Lake City, my path as an educator began as a student at Linfield College (Go Wildcats!).  When I graduated, my wife Kathryn and I returned to Utah where I taught 4th and 5th grade before becoming the assistant principal of a middle school for two-and-a-half years.  This experience opened an opportunity for me to become an elementary principal where I served until I had the great fortune to move back to Oregon with my wife and daughter to be nearer to our family by becoming the principal at McKinney Elementary.  

In my professional experience, I can honestly say that I have not seen a better team of teachers and staff than here at McKinney. Our teachers are always trying new things to engage students in hands-on learning.  Our parents and students are very fortunate to learn at McKinney, and our staff is incredibly lucky to serve such a dynamic, diverse, and positive community.  

My hope is that you will be able to participate at our school and stay in close communication with me and your teachers.  Students with families that are involved at their school tend to have much higher rates of success.  So I know that together our vision for success will become a reality.

Thank you for your support of our school's efforts and the hard work of your child.  I look forward to seeing you and your child each day and watching our incredible McKinney Cougar Scholars learn and grow.  Please let me know how I can support you, if you have any questions, or if you just want to stop by.  

In partnership,

Justin Welch