Dear Cherry Chase Families,

My name is Allison White, and I am thrilled to be joining the Cherry Chase Elementary School team as the new Principal. I come to you from the neighboring Mountain View-Whisman School District where I spent 24 years as a classroom teacher, new teacher and instructional coach, and interim principal. I am passionate about teaching and learning. In my career, I have also presented at numerous conferences as a means of sharing and contributing to my profession.

Because of my family situation, I have had the opportunity to develop a unique perspective. My daughters (a 9th grader and 7th grader) attended the elementary school where I was both a parent and a teacher/principal. This experience helped me develop the awareness that will help me be an effective and responsive leader for Cherry Chase.

The Cherry Chase campus is looking beautiful! The construction equipment is gone and the new Multi Use Room/Cafeteria is just about ready for the students! I have met a number of teachers and staff, and they have extended a very warm welcome. I appreciate the time they have taken to get me up to speed on all the wonderful things about Cherry Chase. Dr. Picard and the Sunnyvale School District Executive Team have been instrumental in supporting me as I step into the Principal role. Amanda Estes, PTA President, has met with me, and I am very excited about the amazing ways the parents support the learning community at Cherry Chase. I attended the PTA Board meeting last week and am gratified to be working with such strong parent leaders.

It is truly a privilege to be the new Principal at Cherry Chase Elementary School. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children. The Cherry Chase community of parents, teachers, staff, and students is amazing. The partnership between parents and the school is an important element in providing outstanding opportunities and outcomes for all our students.

See you on the first day of school, August 22, 2012!

Sincerely,

Allison White