Dear Parents and Families of Kenter Canyon Elementary Charter,

Welcome to the 2021/2022 school year! Despite the past year’s challenges, I remain confident that we will continue to support our community with innovative pedagogical practices and using flexible educational models.

As your newly appointed principal, it is my sincere honor and privilege to collaborate with you in pursuit of our shared goals. Kenter Canyon Elementary enjoys a consistent history of academic and cultural merit - a direct result of the partnership between school and parents to provide a diversity of experiences for all students. I look forward to leading a school with such a rich tradition of education!

During my thirty-three-year career in public schools, my focus has always been on quality of instruction. As as a National Board-certified teacher, I guide and support teachers who work with children of diverse ability, from gifted to special needs. I work collaboratively with all stakeholders to prioritize needs and provide resources for students. During my most recent assignment as principal of 42nd St Elementary school, I engaged local businesses, parents, and sponsors, and mobilized faculty and student leadership groups to arrange after school interventions, test preparation, tutoring, and enrichment courses.

To build students’ emotional strength, I teach principles of peer-to-peer collaboration, empathy, and conflict resolution to nurture resilience and advance citizenship and leadership skills. These strategies increase students’ motivation, grow their academic self-efficacy, and build their confidence in taking responsibility for their own learning.

I embrace the vision of a model energized learning community that prepares all students to become successful lifelong learners in our competitive 21st century world. I set high expectations and support collaboration. Together, parents and educators guide our children’s growth with these watchwords: “Be safe, be respectful, be responsible, and always be learning”. Through close and collegial partnership with everyone associated with Kenter Canyon Charter, I am confident we will continue to create environment that encourages students’ self realization.

I look forward to a successful and positively energized 2021/22 school year. Please talk to me. I want to hear your happy news, bright ideas, deep questions, and honest concerns.

Yours Sincerely,

Irina Sugar Irina Sugar, Ed.D.