Dear Santiam Students & Families,
Welcome Back! Our first day of school is right around the corner and our staff has been busy getting ready for a great year. We hope you have enjoyed your time away and feel rejuvenated and ready for the fun changes ahead in the new year.
I would like to introduce myself as your new principal! I am over the moon excited and honored to be working with students and families, many of whom I have known for years. In this leadership position, I am eager to get to know each of you as we work together to support your children in their educational journey. Collaboration and communication are very important to me, so please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns.
A little about me: I have worked for the Santiam Canyon School District for a total of 19 years. In 2005, after graduating from OSU (Go Beavs!), I began teaching at Gates Elementary School. In 2012, Gates and the Mill City Middle School merged and I continued teaching at the newly created Santiam Elementary. In 2018, I transitioned into the role as the district’s behavior specialist. I thoroughly enjoyed working with K-12th grade students and their families for 5 years. In 2023, I accepted a new role as the assistant principal at Santiam Jr./Sr. High School. In 2024, the Santiam Elementary principal position became available. I couldn’t resist working with staff, students, and families with whom I had created strong relationships and shared such a unique history. I am thankful for the opportunity to use my experiences in the district to best serve our community.
I have a few “save the dates” to share.
First Day of School (1st-5th): September 3rd
Parents are welcome to walk students to their teacher on the first day of school between 7:40 am and 8:00 am. Greeters will be stationed at the front of the building to direct parents to the playground or the gymnasium. This is where students and teachers will gather prior to heading to class. Please be mindful of the teachers’ time on this first day. They will be busy welcoming students into their classrooms, getting breakfast served, and organizing school supplies.
Kindergarten-First Day of School: September 9th
During our first week of school, kindergarten students will have their scheduled assessments. Our office staff will be calling you to share your child’s assessment day/time. Assessments will take approximately 1 hour. Class placement will be determined once those assessments are complete.
Open House: September 12th, from 6 pm-7 pm
We invite you to meet the teachers, check out the classrooms, and see student work and art. I would also like to meet any new families in our community.
School Hours
Student Arrival: 7:40 am-7:55 am
Breakfast Served in Classrooms: 7:55 am
Tardy Bell: 8:00 am
School Ends: 3:20 pm
Sincerely,
Alisha Hansen