Thornapple Kellogg — Sean McLaughlin is the new dean of students at Page Elementary.
Previous positions in the district: Thornapple Kellogg High School dean of students
On changing grade levels: “One of the commitments I made to myself and my staff this year was that I would never, ever, forget what it’s like to be a classroom teacher. (As a teacher) you are everything to your students in that classroom. No matter what grade level, you’re always developing relationships and connecting with families to understand your students’ needs.
“Parents will always be the child’s first and most important teacher, but we are their second and (we) help kids navigate the world and nurture their family’s teachings and values from home.”
What you’re excited about in your new position: “Helping kids take a break from whatever they’re carrying around with them during the day and do something unexpected … Like getting out my singing toy crab or dancing giraffe when a student needs a laugh.”
Read more from Thornapple Kellogg:
• He returned to education because he missed impacting students
• District wraps up bond work after five years of improvements
