Truman Elementary School

Dear Truman Elementary School Families,

Hello! My name is Lisa Blake and I am writing to introduce myself to you as the new principal at Truman Elementary School. Just recently I visited the school and was fortunate enough to meet Mrs. Wakelee. What an outstanding woman! From my interactions with her at the school as well as our phone conversations, it was immediately evident she truly loves children and had strong convictions about providing your children with a high-quality education. Please know it is my intention as the new principal at Truman Elementary to pick right up where Mrs. Wakelee left off. Together, we can continue to evolve the educational experience for your children along with input and wisdom from the Truman faculty and staff. I am extremely grateful and very excited about this opportunity. While I don’t want to wish away our final days of summer, I am looking forward to getting to know your child and establishing a relationship with your family. Included below is a little bit about me and my journey that led me to Truman.

For the last six years I have served as the principal at Pembroke Primary School. It’s a great school comprised of children in UPK, Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2. Prior to serving as a building principal, I served as the Coordinator of Instructional Support Services, Committee on Special Education Chairperson, a reading specialist, and a classroom teacher in Grand Island, NY and Brooklyn, NY. Professionally speaking, I have always been drawn to working with young children in an effort to help them learn how to be a good friend who cares about others while equipping them with the foundational skills necessary to become strong readers, writers, and thinkers. I also believe daily play-based learning opportunities are important for children, especially at the UPK, Kindergarten and Grade 1 levels. Put simply, I want your child to enjoy school and feel that when they are at Truman Elementary School that it is like being at their second home; a place where they are loved, safe, seen, heard and well cared for every single day.

Speaking of homes, I grew up in Lackawanna! To be able to now serve as an educator in the Lackawanna community where my parents raised me means the world to me! This factor alone was one of the main reasons I was interested in the principal position at Truman. As a parent I am sure we will be able to relate on many levels. My husband and I have three children and our home is a busy, fun, and sometimes even chaotic place! We aren’t a perfect family, but we do put forth our best effort to help prepare our children for the real world. Some days are more successful than others! At any rate, please know that as the principal I will treat your child with dignity and respect. I will also love them like my own, during the good days and the bad.

In closing, it is my privilege to join the Truman Elementary School community as the new principal. I truly look forward to collaborating with you and the Truman faculty in order to provide your children with a top-notch education. My door is always open to you so please feel free to pop into the office so we can connect face to face and get to know each other.

Respectfully,

Lisa Blake
Building Principal
Truman Elementary School
lblake@lackawannaschools.org