Dear Lakes Community,

It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve you as Lakes Elementary’s new principal. I am eager to get to know you and put down deep roots in this community. I have heard loud and clear from many people already, “Once a leopard, always a leopard.” I am excited to join this strong, proud, tight-knit community, and work alongside you to deliver a world-class education to our kids.

I’ve been in education for 18 years. The first 11 of which, I taught Middle School Social Studies. For the past six years, I have been serving as the assistant principal of Mt. View Elementary right here in North Thurston. I’ve been married to my wife, Mindy, for 17 years, and we have two kids: Ezra (10) and Nora (7). In the picture, we are exploring a lighthouse in North Carolina this summer. I enjoy basketball, woodworking, reading, and generally building my reputation as the best 4 square player at the school. We’ll see what kind of competition Lakes brings. 🙂

I believe schools are at their best when student impact is at the heart of every decision, and families are involved in rich, authentic ways. I look forward to exploring what that means in the Lakes community.

Students: I cannot wait to meet you! I hope you are excited about meeting your new teacher and digging into a great year of learning, building friendships, and working together to make our school and world a better place.

My door is always open. Please stop by and say hello or introduce yourself at arrival and dismissal. Together we will make the 22-23 school year a success.

Details for the start of school are coming soon. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your summer. We’ll see you soon.

Sincerely,

Mr. Taylor Swedberg
Principal

Hello! I am thrilled to be the Assistant Principal at Lakes Elementary School. I look forward to working with all of you this year and many years in the future. This is my 18th year in education, and each year I still get nervous as that first day approaches. I have previously taught 1st and 3rd grade and been an Elementary Reading Interventionist both in Washington and Alaska. I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in 2002 and my Masters's in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University in 2014 and hold a certificate in K-8 elementary teaching along with my Principal’s certificate. For the last several years, I have worked at a middle school, and hope that experience will help to guide our older elementary students as they transition out of Lakes Elementary. I firmly believe that ALL students can succeed, and I am here to help in any way possible. I want every family to know that I am thankful for your feedback and encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. The key to building a great relationship is communication.

Mr. Kevin Galbreath
Assistant Principal