Creative Science School

School Starts September 6!

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the website maintained by Creative Science School parents: http://creativescienceschool.org.

September, 2011

Dear CSS Students, Families, and Staff,

I am honored and excited to serve as the principal of Creative Science School. I knew when I first interviewed with CSS that this was a special place. I was impressed with the passion and commitment articulated by the students, parents, and staff I initially met. Now that I’ve had a chance to meet a few more people, learn about the incredible journey that CSS has taken over the last 25 years, I am convinced that I am exactly where I need to be.

Here’s a bit about me. I was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia. My family came to the United States when I was in 7th grade. Although we did not intend to stay here, a war broke out back home and my parents decided to begin their lives anew here in America. I graduated from Fort Lee High School in New Jersey, I studied Philosophy at Boston College where I also completed my teacher training. I taught social studies at a high school and a middle school in the Boston area and I completed my principal training at Harvard. Since moving to Oregon with my wife, I served as a small school principal at Newberg High School.

I know from experience that education can transform lives, that it can create incredible opportunities, and that it can help people achieve their dreams and aspirations. My mission as a teacher is to inspire and educate students to develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in school and beyond. As a principal I am committed to working with students, parents and teachers to fulfill our school’s mission. Creative Science School is committed to using constructivist approach to learning in order to help students become independent thinkers, learners and problem solvers. I know how powerful it is when students engage in learning, make connections with their personal lives, and apply their learning in the world they live in. I also know that developing and sustaining a child-centered school requires a capable staff and a very committed group of parents. CSS is fortunate to have both.

I look forward to learning more about our school. I plan to visit classrooms, hold individual and team meetings with teachers, talk with students, invite parents to coffee and conversation, and attend school events. If there is anything that you think I need to know about our school, if you have questions or concerns that you would like me to be aware of, or if you just want to introduce yourself, please don’t wait. I would appreciate hearing what you have to say.

As I learn more about CSS, my hopes for our school are bound to change. That said, there are a few things that I can mention already. I hope to develop long-lasting and meaningful working relationships with our students, parents, and staff. I hope to work with our teachers to create and implement a professional development plan that ensures high quality of teaching and learning in all our classrooms. I hope to work with our site council and PTA as we seek opportunities to help CSS strengthen and grow. Most of all, I hope to have fun with CSS students, to observe them discover, articulate, and apply their learning, and to help create the kind of school they all love to call their own.

I thank you all for the opportunity to serve the principal of CSS. I look forward to our journey ahead.

Sincerely,

Filip Hristić, Principal
Creative Science School