Principal - Kara Rhodes

This is Kara Rhodes's fourth year as principal at East Elementary School.

She loves kids, loves the Oregon Coast, and being a principal at East Elementary. She grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska before moving to Newberg to study Writing and Literature at George Fox University. She then got her Masters of Arts in Teaching and her administrator license a few years later.

She has been in the field of education for 18 years in a variety of roles. In addition to her role as elementary principal, she taught high school ELA and college adjunct writing courses. She was an elementary Dean of Students, a high school assistant principal in curriculum and instruction, and a district level writing program coordinator.

She believes in the power of education and loves seeing students grow into their best selves everyday.

Commitment to Excellence

School Philosophy

We are committed to helping every student achieve their highest level of success.

School Commitments

Provide a positive, safe environment for learning. Develop creative, competent, self-directed thinkers. Prepare our children for an information-rich future. Build self-confidence and success through physical and mental well-being. Involve students in cultural experiences. Appreciate diversity and individual uniqueness through teacher, parent, and community involvement.

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School Priorities: Every student, every day

Relationships: Students first; ensure all students receive an exemplary education that is academically challenging and meets their social and emotional needs.

Relevance: Eliminate opportunity gaps and achieve excellence by providing access to schools, resources, and learning opportunities according to each student’s unique needs.

Inclusivity: Strengthen our community by valuing people for who we are, nurturing our diversity, and embracing the contributions of all students, families, and staff.  Strive to provide culturally responsive best practices.

Collaboration: Foster partnerships with families, community, and staff to support the success of our students.

Innovation: Engage in forward-thinking conversations to identify bold ideas that enable us to be responsive to the expectations of our organization and community while cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and resourcefulness in our students.