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Welcome to South Bay Elementary! I am extremely honored to be the principal of this amazing school. I am very grateful to work every day with all of the talented and dedicated South Bay staff as we strive to provide the best educational experience possible for all our students.
It is my belief that with everyone working together towards a common goal, we can achieve great things. South Bay’s successes thus far would not be possible without a strong partnership with our families and community. I look forward to continuing these partnerships as we work together each year.
This year marks my 23rd in education. I have experience as a teacher, instructional coach, mentor, dean of students, assistant principal, and am thrilled to be the principal of South Bay Elementary. I am a dedicated learner and look forward to continuing my education in the near future. I have been married for 29 years to my husband, Bob, and we have two wonderful daughters, both who have been educated in the North Thurston Public Schools. My oldest graduated from Timberline in 2012 and my youngest in 2019!
I believe that all of our students can and will be successful when provided with a safe, equitable, caring environment in which to learn. Teachers, parents, support personnel, administration, and community members all play an important role in achieving this end. I very much enjoy talking with families and community members, please feel free to stop in any time to say, “Hello”, or let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Let's make the 2020/21 school year the best one yet!
Amy Richardson
360-412-4640
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I'm Mr. McDonald (Mr. McD.), your Assistant Principal! I am excited to continue serving the South Bay Elementary community. Thank you to Mrs. Richardson and the South Bay staff for the supportive climate we have collaboratively established to support students. South Bay is a wonderful place to work with kids! We have an enthusiastic, dedicated and compassionate staff, resilient, hardworking students, and loving and supportive families that make South Bay a destination school within Thurston County. Our community is why South Bay's tradition of excellence will continue for years to come. I was born in Seattle; my family moved to Thurston County in 1979 and I have lived here ever since. In January of 2003 I married, my wife, Crystal. Our son Avery (16), and daughters Juliana (13) and Emma (11) keep us busy! My years in education include nine years teaching, four years of school counseling and this is my third year as Assistant Principal at South Bay. I am overwhelmed by the care and compassion of my teaching, support staff, and administrative colleagues here at South Bay and throughout North Thurston Public Schools. I look forward to working with all of you throughout the 2020/21 school year. I hope to give back with the same enthusiasm and energy that has been shown to me throughout my sixteen years with NTPS.
My philosophy of education is built around a firm belief that all children are capable of success, without exception. I believe in an equitable education where individual needs are met to create a level playing field for all students. Research shows, that strong relationships between students and caring, invested adults can make a difference in turning potential student success into a reality. I will collaborate to build relationships that promote the academic success of all students. As a former teacher, school counselor, and now an Assistant Principal, I am well versed in academic, behavioral and social emotional teaching and learning strategies. I'm proud our school and district believes in developing Empowered Learners and preparing students for rewarding careers, fulfilling lives, and compassionate global citizenship!
Shawn McDonald
360-412-4640
smcdonald@nthurston.k12.wa.us
