Welcome to Heppner Elementary School
As I begin my fifth year here in Heppner, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, families, and community. This year brings an exciting new chapter as my role expands to Principal of both Heppner Elementary School and Heppner Jr/Sr High School. I am also excited to welcome Ms. Karen Shelton as our new K–12 Vice Principal. Together, we look forward to supporting our students and staff across Heppner’s schools and continuing to build upon the great things already happening at HES.
As we move forward, one message captures what we want our K–12 school community to represent: Two buildings. One community. One commitment to our kids. While our students may learn in two different buildings, we are one Heppner school community with a shared responsibility to provide our kids with the very best opportunities we can.
There is something special about an elementary school. It is where so many of the foundations are built that students will carry with them throughout their education and beyond. At HES, we want our students to develop a love of learning, build strong academic skills, form positive relationships, and learn the importance of responsibility, perseverance, and kindness. We also want school to be a place where kids feel connected, supported, challenged, and excited to come each day.
Our work goes well beyond reading, writing, math, science, and the other subjects our students learn each day. We are helping children develop the habits and character that will serve them throughout their lives. That takes a strong partnership between our school, families, and community, and it is one of the things that makes Heppner such a special place to raise and educate kids.
At the heart of that work are the values we call R.I.D.E. for the Brand.
Respect: Treating others and ourselves with dignity and understanding.
Integrity: Doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
Discipline: Staying focused, persistent, and committed to our goals.
Excellence: Striving to be our best in the classroom, on the playground, and throughout our community.
These aren't simply words displayed around our school. They are expectations we begin teaching at HES and continue building upon throughout a student's time in Heppner. We want our Colts to understand what these values look like in their classrooms, with their classmates, on the playground, and in our community.
I am proud to be part of the HES team, proud of our students and staff, and proud to be part of a community that continues to support its schools. I look forward to another great year of watching our students learn, grow, challenge themselves, and discover what they are capable of.
Go Colts!
Sincerely,
Ryan Gerry