In a bustling hallway adorned with a bulletin board proclaiming “You Belong Here,” Sarah Hamilla, Glenwood Elementary’s new principal, makes her presence felt. Known for her warm smile and earnest commitment to education, Hamilla has seamlessly transitioned from Chicago’s educational landscape to Kentwood’s community-centric environment.
The Journey to Glenwood
After serving in various educational roles in Chicago—ranging from teaching to mentoring school leaders—Hamilla’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Her background is rich with experiences that emphasize community building and student-centric strategies. At Glenwood, Hamilla sees an opportunity to leverage the community school model, a strategy that proved highly effective back in Chicago, to meet students’ academic and emotional needs.
Fostering Meaningful Relationships
For Hamilla, relationships are the core of educational success. “What drew me to Kentwood was their strategic, whole-child approach,” she shares. Indeed, she envisions a school where personalized learning and student ownership of education dominate. As stated in School News Network, “Understanding each student’s unique needs and teaching them accordingly is paramount.”
From Classroom Dreams to Principal Reality
Hamilla’s ambition to influence education on a broader scale led her to administrative roles. She recognizes the rewarding aspect of impacting students, staff, and families at a school-wide level. Her leadership philosophy involves building robust relationships, a mission she initiated with her early experiences in the educational sector.
Balancing Academics and Social-Emotional Growth
Hamilla advocates for a harmonious blend of rigorous academics and social-emotional learning. She credits recent advancements in educational approaches for allowing a more holistic focus on students’ social and academic life. Her noteworthy accomplishments in the domain reflect a keen understanding that education goes beyond traditional academics and embraces emotional intelligence.
A Personal Touch
Outside her professional sphere, Hamilla shares her life with her husband Jeff and their young daughter. Describing recent life changes as “starting over,” she mentions how her new life in Michigan offers enriching experiences for her family. Personal anecdotes reveal her as approachable and relatable, qualities that endear her to the Glenwood community.
Looking Ahead
As Sarah Hamilla enjoys her inaugural semester at Glenwood Elementary, her leadership style—anchored in warmth and inclusion—promises to foster both academic excellence and emotional growth. Inspired by a future where students not only succeed academically but thrive as individuals, Hamilla’s vision for Glenwood is transformative and hopeful.
