John Hay’s first-term principal Karen Hanson is hosting a coffee chat from 5 to 6 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, April 6 at the Interbay Starbucks, located at 1613 West Dravus Street, in the back room.

Hanson became John Hay’s new principal after 5-year head Dan Warren was reassigned to the new Sand Point Elementary this academic year. Hanson, who had been a teacher at John Hay for 11 years prior to her appointment, holds regular coffee chats with the community and invites neighbors to bring thoughts, questions, and lively discussion to these meetings.

Want to chat with the new principal of John Hay Elementary, Karen Hanson? Swing by her open meet-up, “Coffee with Kari,” at the Queen Anne Cafe from 8 to 9 a.m. today, Monday, August 16.

The school invites anyone “who’d like to come and talk casually about our school, your kids, their learning, the past, the present and the future of Hay, or maybe even for a quick meet and greet just to say hello” to swing by.

If you can’t make it today, Kari will be hosting another coffee chat next Monday, August 23, same time and place.

Back in January Seattle Public Schools changed up some of the principal positions around the city, reassigning 5-year John Hay principal Dan Warren to head up the new Sand Point Elementary for the 2010-2011 school year. Many in the community have been waiting to find out who will be coming in to take over Warren’s post, and just last week SPS Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson announced longtime Hay teacher and enrichment specialist Karen Hanson as the new school head.

In a letter addressed to the community on Friday, May 7, Goodloe-Johnson explained the decision making process and introduced Hanson, while wishing Warren well at his new post. Read the full letter below:

Dear John Hay Community:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Karen Hanson as the new principal for John Hay Elementary School.

A team from John Hay participated in the selection process. The team developed a profile of the qualities desired in the next school leader, interviewed a series of candidates, and provided feedback on the strengths of each applicant relative to the needs of your school. The candidates were drawn from a highly qualified pool of individuals who participated in a rigorous interview process conducted by principals and administrators.  Led by Education Director, Pat Sander, the finalists that your school team recommended then participated in a Learning Walk at John Hay.  During this walk, they visited classrooms, interacted with students and wrote some reflections on what they observed. The Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer conducted final interviews and made the appointment.

We believe that Ms. Hanson’s background as an enrichment specialist, classroom teacher and head teacher at John Hay for the past 11 years qualifies her to be an excellent principal choice for your school, and will ensure continuity of John Hay’s current educational experience.  Her student-centered approach means that she works for the success of all students at every level; she demonstrates personal integrity and an ability to foster positive change.

Ms. Hanson’s recent experience includes two years as a head teacher, three years as a classroom teacher and six years as an enrichment specialist at John Hay, plus five years as a classroom teacher at Olympic View Elementary School.  She values relationships with staff, students, families and community, and is committed to ensuring academic success for all students.  Ms. Hanson’s professional preparation includes a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, a Master’s Degree in curriculum and instruction, and principal certification from Seattle Pacific University.

We want to also take this opportunity to thank Dan Warren for his outstanding educational leadership. His dedication to providing the best possible education for every child has been a gift to John Hay. We wish him all the best in his appointment as principal of Sand Point Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D.
Superintendent