— by Cara Russell —
Theresa Mayr, Orcas Island School District Elementary Principal
In the midst of the completion of the school bond remodel project and the elementary flood repair reconstruction, new Orcas Island Elementary Principal Theres Mayr just shrugged her shoulders like it was not a big deal nd laughed a big laugh, the kind that makes you want to join in too, and carried on.
“I’m excited to work in a small district with good weather,” said Mayr. “The integration here has been so easy and everyone is so nice.”
Mayr was hired this summer to take the place of Kathy Page, who resigned her position as Elementary Principal after two years at Orcas Island School District (OISD).
You can tell by looking at Mayr’s office that she is a big supporter of University of Washington (Husky) football, as well as an active alumni. She holds season tickets to men’s basketball and football games, and also supports the college band—her daughter Angie currently plays the alto sax.
Last week Mayr met many parents, staff and other island residents, for Tea under the Tree; a little “ Get to Know Your New Principal” event. She is well on her way to getting to know island residents and making new friends. At her side has been her daughter Angie, lending constant support, and their friend Darren Dix, Orcas High School Band teacher, who taught Angie in 2012.
Back in Puyallup, Mayr’s 23 year-old son Don, also a UW student, is in the process of selling Mayr’s house and moving up her Beagle (named Texas), and two cats to their new home on Orcas.
Mayr grew up in Aberdeen Washington, received her degree at UW in business and administration, then went into the timber industry and was a third-generation timber worker at the Mayr Brothers Logging Company. There she worked as the human resources manager and transportation manager.
In the 1990s, Mayr went back to UW and received her teaching certificate. She taught for 15 years in the Dieringer School District, and has extensive experience in curriculum, administration, and special education. She has held the position of Title I Director, and spent her last year as interim principal at the elementary level.
Here on Orcas she plans to continue focusing on the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program (PBIS) in the school. “It’s all about supporting kids and teaching them how to self-manage,” said Mayr. The familiar “High Five” student recognition program will continue and Mayr plans to add to it.
A school-wide change in the schedule will also take effect this year, with early release Wednesdays (at 2:05 p.m.) Teachers will engage in professional learning communities (PLC) where they can collaborate to help insure student learning, by focusing on curriculum, working on PBIS, and keeping in alignment to Common Core State Standards.
