December 14, 2007

Carole Schmitt : Leadership makes a difference

By Donna H Eliason
Staff Writer

“The driving force is the children. I love dealing with all the children,” says Carole Schmitt, second year principal at Silver Oak Elementary School. Schmitt’s energy and creativity coincides with the tradition of the school’s past principals who inspired others to reach for excellence and high achievement.

Carole Schmitt

One compelling aspect is the school’s wide diversity of occupations, cultures, languages and ethnic groups. Emphasis is placed on students learning to respect and appreciate themselves and others.

Her parents told her to work in business not education.

San Francisco-born Schmitt moved with her family to the Union School District in San Jose when she was in second grade. Her educator parents urged her to go into business rather than education, but all of Schmitt’s jobs involved children: day care, pre-school and lifeguard. She earned a minor degree in business with an emphasis on marketing from San Jose State, but completed her teaching credential with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. For one year, she sold life/disability insurance, but taught as a substitute to “pay the bills”.

In 1986 Schmitt started substituting in Evergreen, then accepted teaching positions at Montgomery and Cedar Grove Schools. She was a Title 1 Program Specialist at Dove Hill School, then assistant principal and principal at Montgomery School, and principal at K.S.Smith before coming to Silver Oak.

The school schedule begins early and ends late.

At 7:30 a.m., Schmitt greets students arriving on five school buses. Dropped off students are welcomed by a teacher at the front entrance. After the school flag salute and announcements, Schmitt’s schedule includes class visits and observations, “putting out the fires”, and completing unending school business. At the l0 a.m. recess, Schmitt monitors the playground to “help students make the right choices” and “to encourage those needing extra help”.

During the three lunch periods, Schmitt does whatever needs to be done, which can range from cleaning tables to serving food. “I want to keep the environment safe and healthy,” she says. When school ends, Schmitt is outside with the departing students. Then begins her involvement with curriculum, grade level and staff meetings, in-service obligations, parent conferences, district meetings and other responsibilities. Because of district budget cuts, Schmitt works without the help of an assistant principal, but has outstanding staff, faculty and parent help and support.

Balance and organization are keys to success.

“I pay careful attention to the climate of the school,” says Schmitt. “It must be purposeful, caring, and excellent.” Emphasis is placed on a balanced, challenging and comprehensive curriculum that is constantly assessed so each student is encouraged to reach or exceed district standards. Balance and organization are especially important to Schmitt as she juggles school, district and home responsibilities. She has a high school daughter and fourth-grade son.

Between home and school, Schmitt has little time for hobbies. She says, “I don’t know where the time goes.” Until three years ago she continued her childhood love of tap dancing. She sews when “I have the urge to change something, and enjoys American Musical Theater season tickets. After her first teaching year she backpacked throughout Europe for two months with a teacher friend.

A challenge ahead
“I want this school to continue to be a dynamic place where we’re constantly looking at and readjusting our program for student needs and achievement.” Schmitt continues, “Everything must be purposeful, with no resting on our laurels. Our goal is to work with and care for the whole child. Silver Oak is a caring community that strives to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of its students.”

BEACON

A country song says “you can’t be a beacon if your light don’t shine.”

The Evergreen Times would like for the lights of interesting Evergreen residents to shine through a profile on such persons. Our community has educators, activists, business people, inventors, sportsmen, hobbyists, public safety persons – a plethora of fascinating people who should be recognized by their neighbors as a beacon for community involvement. If you know a person who should be recognized as a BEACON, contact highlander@timesmediainc.com and they will be considered for future issues.