Meet Our Principal
Dear MPA Primary Family,
It is great to be back home, and I am honored to introduce myself, Shalonda Tillman, as your new principal!
I am incredibly excited to rejoin this wonderful community after spending nine years teaching MPA Primary’s amazing scholars. My journey as an educator has always been rooted in a deep belief in the power of strong, loving and caring communities, and, of course, a fantastic education. I was inspired by incredible teachers like my own fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Brewer, who sparked a lifelong love for learning within me. I am thrilled to start this new chapter with all of you. Every student deserves a loving and supportive place where they can discover their special talents, and I promise to create a space where dreams are not just wished for but actively worked for and achieved together.
At the heart of MPA Primary, you'll find an unwavering dedication to building strong connections. I believe that truly knowing each child—their unique needs, strengths, and wonderful backgrounds—is the key to their success. We will continue to create a place of open communication, understanding, and kindness, where every child feels truly valued, heard, and brave enough to share their thoughts without any fear. As a community, we will celebrate every single success, big or small! We'll build trust and help our students believe in themselves through consistent encouragement and high expectations. Our goal is to foster lasting friendships and inspire a lifelong passion for learning. We will continue to show MPA Primary students that what they say matters, and their active involvement in learning is truly important to us.
The vision for learning at MPA Primary is about positive change and welcoming everyone. It is a vision built on fairness and a deep appreciation for all our different backgrounds. We are committed to removing any barriers that stand in the way and creating opportunities for every child to shine brightly, regardless of their starting point. My teaching approach is strong but gentle, designed to help students grow their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills – the kind of skills they'll need for a bright future. I believe in thoughtful planning, seeing challenges as chances to grow, and encouraging a never-give-up spirit. MPA Primary is a place where every student is encouraged to reach their full potential, driven by the belief that learning is the most powerful tool for making good things happen.
Our greatest strength comes from working together. Our partnerships with you, staff and the community are a strong foundation, uniting us in taking care of our students' overall well-being. I want you to be a vital part of the decisions and plans, reminding everyone that education is a team effort. MPA Primary’s strong community connections are how we will continue building a caring environment, learn how to resolve issues kindly, and make sure our approach to education prepares our students not just for academic success, but for a happy and fulfilling life.
I am excited for the journey ahead! I can’t wait for us to work hand in hand to inspire, lift up, and create a brighter future for every scholar. Let's light up the spark within every child and watch them soar!
Warmly,
Principal Tillman
