Kettle Falls Elementary School will be welcoming parents to its annual open house on Thursday, August 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event will offer parents the opportunity to explore the latest building upgrades and meet the new staff, including new principal Brennan McGee, who encouraged parents to enroll new kindergarten students at the open house, as their classes start on Friday, September 6, while the rest of the district rolls out the school year on Tuesday, September 3.


Principal McGee shared that his team is passionate about accessible and transparent education; everyone is eager to get started, including new teachers and staff onboarding this year. Leading what Principal McGee described as a transition to a more inclusive model, and implementing changes to ensure the school provides a non-restrictive learning environment, is Ursula Christianson, the new Star Special Education program head and teacher. The new 4th grade teacher, Sarah Franko, is noted for her passion and extensive experience with the Colville School District. Principal McGee also introduced Amy Brown, the newest kindergarten teacher from the same district, stating that she has “been in almost every day this whole past week, setting up her room.” He also praised Sawyer Hughes for jumping into the role of elementary school counselor. Hughes said he is committed to “advocating for students as a supporting resource and hopes to make a positive difference.” Additionally the research-based Character Strong program is being implemented this year with new vigor “focusing on the core academics” but bolstering “critical thinking skills and life skills


that are going to apply to whatever they end up doing.” Principal McGee is also advocating for science to be taught in every class, every day of the week; a first for Kettle Falls Elementary. A highly robust and comprehensive math curriculum, Bridges, was also purchased this school year. Principal McGee added that the school is piloting a new English Language Arts curriculum, in hopes to reaffirm that “strong core content” for its students.


Before Principal McGee’s decision to pursue a role as an educator in 2008, he was an electrician. His prior experience is primarily in Career and Technical Education, highlighting math, science, and robotics, with additional experience in behavior and academic intervention. Originally from Georgia, he spent his last eight years in Western Washington. Principal McGee said, “I couldn't be happier about joining the community.” He explained he was ready to “move to an area that reminded (him) a little bit more of home.” He hopes to create a learning environment that makes students feel so supported in their aspirations that the school feels like a second home. He said, “I think that all students are capable of being successful. We just have to make sure that we're providing the correct programs and the correct supports so that students feel welcome, and that they can succeed.” He continued, saying, “We just need to meet students where they are and make sure that school is a place that, no matter what pathway or what they're interested in, that we can provide something that meets their needs.”


Principal McGee encourages and welcomes parents to engage with students, both outside


and inside school hours, and plans to bring back a parent-teacher organization this year. Principal McGee said he plans to be active in classrooms, saying it’s “important to him to know his students by name.” Kettle Falls Elementary School is home to the ‘Adventure’ program, which engages students with the outdoors and invites parents to observe their skills in the real world, outside the classroom. Parents have the opportunity to get involved every week on Wednesdays. Principal McGee’s goal is for, “teachers and students to be excited for Mondays and dread Fridays.”


Orignial post: https://www.statesmanexaminer.com/news/local/new-teachers-and-staff-at-kf-elementary-school/article_c37693f4-60d7-11ef-90e9-73ee276a6852.html