Dear Students, Staff, Parents and Community Members,

Welcome to Highland Terrace Elementary School. I'm thrilled to be serving as your new principal for the 2009-2010 school year. Prior to joining the staff at Highland Terrace, I was a principal in the Edmonds School District. I also taught in California and Washington for 12 years. I have two daughters, one who will be starting 2nd grade this year, and the other who will be entering 6th grade in a 6th-8th grade middle school. My wife is a middle school teacher.

Since starting in July, I've had opportunities to meet many parents, students, teachers, administrators and community members. Each goes out of his or her way to tell me what an outstanding school Highland Terrace is. I’m looking forward to supporting the work that has been undertaken here to help students achieve and to give the school such an outstanding reputation.

In my short time here, I've also come to find that the staff at Highland Terrace is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of every one of our students. At Highland Terrace there is a strong emphasis placed on academics as well as ensuring that our school is a safe, orderly and caring place where all of our students can learn and grow.

I look forward to getting to know you in the coming year.

Mike VanOrden
Principal