Principally Speaking…
            It is a pleasure to write my initial newsletter article as an Elk Neck Ranger.  First, I would like to compliment our students.  I have learned immediately that we have the best of the best in our children.  Each and every day our students arrive with smiles, friendly comments and a bright set of eyes that tell me that they are eager about life, themselves and are ready for anything that we can provide.  Wow, the possibilities and the potential are staggering!  As the principal of Elk Neck Elementary, it is clearly evident that my role is to work tirelessly to provide instructional programs that meet the level of need and capability for all of our students.  In this regard, our School Improvement Team has meet numerous times as a whole and in committee format.  We are utilizing the state of Maryland website, and other pertinent sources to “cut to the chase” on high level, targeted, instruction that will challenge students in a variety of modalities.  We are working to create school-wide initiatives in which every member of the staff is involved, such are our new computational skills program, the Marcia Freeman Writing Project, our K-5 Brief Constructed Response program, and our Baldrige Systems program.  Research has proven that highly effective schools that produce exemplary results have “learning systems” in place that are implemented throughout.  The Elk Neck staff, with it’s plethora of experience and creativity, is working diligently, and collaboratively to bring this systems approach to everything that we do, as we know that this brings the highest results.  I am excited and motivated to facilitate this endeavor by the minute, the hour, and the day. 
            As communicated in a letter that was sent in August, I will be holding, “Saturday Morning With the Principal”, once a month from September through December.  The first one of these will be on September 9th, from 9 A.M. til 11:00 A. M.  This is a drop-in “get to know one another” opportunity.  If you would like to call ahead of time feel free, but it is not necessary.

            Again, thank you for your warm welcome to the community.

John Turner

OUR MISSION
The stakeholders of Elk Neck Elementary School will work
together to create
a strong community of learners to ensure
the achievement of all.