Dear Delwood Community,
I am thrilled to write this letter and introduce myself as your new
principal. It is an honor to serve in this role and I am beyond excited to work
with such a quality group of dedicated educators, strong community support
system, and great students.
Although I have met some of you around the building through the
interview process, I would love to take this opportunity to share a bit about
myself. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I received my bachelors
from MacMurray College and later received my masters in special education
through Grand Canyon University. I graduated from Lamar University with my
doctorate degree in educational leadership and then attended the University
of Northern Iowa for my principal licensure. I have worked in the Clinton and
Cedar Rapids school districts and held a variety of leadership roles from union
president to program coordinators to principal duties under my mentor. I was
a prior special educator and also worked at the community college level. I have
focused a great deal of time on equity in the classroom and teacher retention.
These are two areas I hope to continue to have productive dialogue around
here at Delwood.
My husband and I have three children- two girls and one boy, ages 9, 6,
and 2. My husband works as a deputy for the Sheriff’s Office. We have lived in
Iowa for twelve years and in Goose Lake for three years now. We love the
community, atmosphere, and values of this area. In my free time, I enjoy
reading, football, running and weightlifting. I am an avid Packers fan and try to
attend games when I am able.
I want to take a moment to share my vision for our school, which
resonates deeply with my core values and leadership style, but more
importantly, I believe it is what staff, students, and the Delwood community
envision as well. Our mission at Delwood is that we strive to meet the individual
needs of children in a family atmosphere, promoting positive and creative
learning. This mission statement is what inspired me to join Delwood as your
new principal.
I want each of us to work together to create a community of
collaboration, positivity, and inclusion. Every student and staff should feel that
they belong, they are safe, and they are supported from the moment they enter
the building. I want teachers and staff to feel valued and supported in their
work with students. Students should feel as if their voice is being heard and
given opportunities to demonstrate success both inside and out of the
classroom. We all can work together to make that happen.
All the best,
Dr. Julia Rabe