Dear Parents and Community Members,

I am honored to introduce myself to you as the principal of McRae Elementary School.  I have truly enjoyed meeting with so many of the wonderful families in our community and feel very blessed to have to opportunity to work with your children and the talented and dedicated faculty and staff that serve them daily.  

Prior to coming to McRae, I served as a classroom teacher for over 20 years, grade chair, and student council sponsor.  I also served as assistant principal at Middleburg Elementary and Keystone Heights Elementary.  

Our school motto is: Together We Can.  Teachers meet weekly to plan lessons so that students are challenged with rigorous learning activities.   They also identify students who need more support.  Students discuss their learning with partners and in small groups.  They share their strategies for solving problems and support each other in reaching goals.  Together, we celebrate learning gains.  

In addition to the core subject areas of reading, math, science, and social studies, students have the opportunity to participate in art, music, and physical education.  All students, 3rd through 6th grade, have access to Chromebooks and work using Google Classroom.  They are provided support through iReady and Achieve with individualized learning paths.

Our commitment to you is to keep our focus on teaching and learning in a safe, supportive learning environment.  You can help us by making sure students arrive to school on time each day.  Our school day begins at 8:45 and ends at 2:50.  Breakfast is served from 8:00 until 8:30.  

Parent involvement increases student achievement.  Please work with us.  Be sure to communicate often with your child’s teacher.  She/He is the first contact for any concerns you may have.  Consider volunteering in our classrooms, the media center, or our front office.  We have a new parent organization, McRae Moms and Dads, that meets monthly to plan events and to share ideas.  

I am honored to be a part of McRae Elementary and the Clay County School District.  Please contact me if I can help you in any way.  Together, we can prepare students to be leaders in the 21st century.  

Sincerely,

Tammy Winkler