Principal's Page

Welcome to Park Avenue Elementary School,

At Park Avenue, we believe school should be a place where every child feels safe, valued, supported, challenged, and inspired to dream big. Our school is built on strong relationships, high expectations, kindness, and a deep sense of belonging. When you walk through our doors, I hope you immediately feel the warmth, energy, and heart that make Park Avenue such a special place.

Our North Star guides everything we do:

At Park Avenue Elementary School, we work together to create a kind and welcoming community where everyone belongs. Every student is respected, supported, and encouraged to do their best. We help each other learn, care about one another, and believe in ourselves. We celebrate our differences and help every child discover their strengths so they can grow, dream big, and be ready for the future.

This is more than a statement on paper — it reflects the culture we strive to build every single day.

We believe our school community is strongest when students, staff, and families work together in partnership. Open communication, teamwork, and shared responsibility help create a school where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We prioritize respect, empathy, and kindness in everything we do. We want every child to know they are seen, heard, cared for, and important. We believe children grow best in environments where they feel connected, supported, and encouraged to take risks as learners.

Park Avenue is also deeply committed to equity, diversity, and belonging. Our community is strengthened by the many cultures, languages, backgrounds, and experiences that make our school unique. We celebrate those differences and work hard to ensure every child feels proud of who they are and confident in what they can become.

We believe in growth, perseverance, and high expectations. We encourage students to be curious, resilient, and reflective learners who continue growing through challenges. At Park Avenue, we remind our students often: “Owls Don’t Quit.” That phrase represents much more than school spirit — it reflects the mindset we hope students carry with them throughout their lives.

We also value responsibility and integrity. We want students to learn the importance of accountability, honesty, leadership, and making choices that positively impact both themselves and others. Character matters here.

Elementary school should also be joyful.

Whether it is reading with a buddy class, participating in a schoolwide celebration, performing in a concert, engaging in community service, or simply being greeted each morning by caring adults, we know the little moments help shape lasting memories and meaningful connections.

As principal, I strongly believe leadership is about service. My role is to support our students, staff, and families while helping create the conditions for every child to succeed. I value collaboration, communication, and partnership because schools are strongest when we work together as one community.

Thank you for visiting our website and learning more about Park Avenue Elementary School. We are proud of who we are, proud of where we are going, and grateful for the opportunity to serve the children and families of this community each day.

Warmly,

Craig Dreves
Principal
Park Avenue Elementary School