A passionate believer in the power of community, current Ohlone principal Elsa Chen is rooted in the belief that education should transcend academics to cultivate capable, responsible, and caring individuals. "The Ohlone way is not about any one way of instructing, it's not about any one way of volunteering. It's about the community spirit." This theme lies at the heart of Elsa's approach to her role - creating an environment that fosters individuality among both students and staff, in encouraging deep learning and mutual respect.
Under Elsa's stewardship, Ohlone Elementary has been a place where open dialogue is encouraged and respect for all is insisted upon. She notes, "There's just a difference the way people talk to kids. And I think some of this goes back to being on first name basis." This informal approach helps to create an environment where children view adults as approachable, yet still understand the importance of respecting their authority.
Elsa has a unique knack for bringing the school's core values of community and education to life. She gives an example of a parent bringing a brush from home to help fix a muddy walkway in the school – this, for Elsa, is a demonstration of the sense of collective ownership and engagement that characterize the Ohlone way. Additionally, Elsa finds the wholesome Ohlone approach to learning extends into the community spirit that pervades the school, describing it as friendly and unique. She further elaborates, "There is a kind of team mentality that is really powerful and all of that to me is the Ohlone way."
A defining aspect of Elsa's leadership is her future-oriented and flexible approach to traditional education. She is committed to constantly evolving the school's strategies to accommodate the changing needs of the community, while maintaining its core values. Indeed, Elsa believes that education and learning should be a partnership between the school, parents, and the students.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their school and their learning. At the same time, parents are invited to deeply participate in the school community. Not just for volunteer duty, but to genuinely contribute to the school's atmosphere, something that will have a lasting effect.
Looking to the future of the school, Elsa envisions a culture where students truly take ownership of their learning and are offered an education that cannot simply be replaced by a machine. They're taught not just how to process information, but cultivated to integrate learning into real-life and become responsible contributors to the world. She strives to grow "really fantastic human beings that then go out and do great things in the world". Under her guidance, Ohlone Elementary School embodies a unique culture underscored by community, respect, and a genuine love for learning.
Comments