Principal’s Message

Maria Evans, Principal

As a the principal of Washington Elementary
I, Maria Arias Evans, believe . . .
the students of Washington LOVE their school.  Each morning I am re-energized by their kindness:  to me, to each other, and to their teachers.  Although it is not fair to stereotype our children and lump them into one convenient category—I know there is a palatable goodness here at this school.  In fact, I can’t tell you the number of times visitors have commented on their surprise at finding a campus filled with happy children.  They report on the students’ smiles and greetings, as if they were a vaccine to the spirit.  Or chicken soup.  Or something so good it fills you all the way up.

I believe Washington’s children are happy at school because they are blessed throughout the day with lots of bear hugs, firm handshakes, and gracious smiles from a staff who has wrapped itself around our school community with bold measures of compassion and empathy. The teachers, instructional aides, the custodian, the yard duty workers, the secretaries, and the principal work very hard to bring our children to grade level proficiency in reading and in math—even if there are no books at home; even if our children are without a mother or father to tuck them in at night, because times are desperate that all able bodied men and women are required to work long hours or multiple jobs. Yet, a loving and caring school environment is not enough to get the job done at Washington Elementary.

I believe that it is the amazing Washington teachers who have a gift for inspiring children to love learning that have made all the difference in the world.  I know because I watch them each and every day executing lessons that bring tears to my eyes.  These lovely teachers never ask more from their students than they expect from themselves.  And A+ teachers know how to push a child without demoralizing their students or blaming their parents.  You should come watch my teachers in action, because it is amazing to watch them skillfully maneuver the twin envelopes of discipline and motivation, with compassion and empathy but with firmness and consistency that belies most teachers’ abilities.

I believe Washington teachers are the fulcrum of Washington’s success:  lucky students; lucky principal.