Here is an introductory letter from her to all the families and staff at Swift Creek:
Dear Swift Creek family,
I wanted to send a quick letter of introduction as I assume the role of interim principal at Swift Creek Elementary School today.
First, here is a little background information about me. I graduated from East Carolina University in 1977 with a BS in Special Education, K-12. I taught in Burlington City Schools and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for 9 years. I worked in the Human Resources department of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for three years. In 1989, I obtained my M.Ed. in Educational Administration, Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction from Winthrop College (now University). I was an assistant principal at Myers Park Traditional Elementary School in Charlotte and at Apex High School before being named principal at A.B. Combs Elementary in August of 1992. In 1997, I opened Olive Chapel Elementary in Apex, and in 2004 I opened Turner Creek in Cary as new schools. In December 2009, I retired and began a new chapter as the Director of Teaching Fellows at Meredith College. On July 1, 2014, I returned to WCPSS as interim principal at Herbert Akins Elementary. Between July 1, 2014 and the present time, I have completed 6 interim assignments. I am married to Jim Hargrove and we have two adult married children and a 2 year old grandson, Owen.
As interim principal, my intent is to provide stability and support to the faculty, students and parents during this transition. Swift Creek has a rich history, a committed faculty and staff, and supportive and involved parents. I feel privileged to step in and work collaboratively to continue to move Swift Creek forward – to make it the first choice for families in our community. Marie Dexter, PTA president, and the PTA board and I met this morning to make plans for the upcoming year. I will begin to use the School Messenger system to keep you all informed about items of interest to the school community. Mrs. Miller and I will be working over the summer with the Leadership Team to prepare for a smooth opening of the 2016-2017 school year.
Dr. Clinton Robinson, our area superintendent, will be working to fill the principal vacancy. He will host meetings with stakeholders to identify characteristics you want to see in a new principal. Please be on the lookout for more information about these upcoming meetings. I plan to serve until a permanent principal is named and a transition plan has been completed. Also, please be on the lookout for any new families who may need to register children for the upcoming school year and put them in touch with us.
If you have any questions, concerns or kudos, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Jan Hargrove