Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Community Members,

Welcome to Carpenter Elementary School as I am thrilled to serve as the Principal of our school! I began my profession career with Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) in 2005, as a fifth-grade teacher at Thurston Elementary School.

I’ve been serving as an Elementary Principal for the district since 2010.  It is indeed a privilege to lead this learning community during a time of incredible change and tremendous possibilities.  Our challenge is to embrace the future of the 21^st century and assure that or students grow to become our future leaders.

To our students, I ask that you reflect on your goals and strive to do your very best every day.  Know that we are here to support and encourage you as you explore different opportunities and grow as learners.  Remember that with opportunities come a personal responsibility to be supportive of one another and our school.  I will count on you to go beyond tolerance and treat all members of our school community with respect. Please read this quick article of what you can expect from me.

To our staff, I pledge my commitment to work together as we strive to fulfill our district’s vision for all students as we create access and opportunity for every student to achieve the goals that have been outlined on our School Improvement Plan.  A school that aspires to greatness can be no less.

To our parents and community, it is essential that you take an active role in our students’ success.  Carpenter Elementary prides itself on the school spirit that our active parent group, students and staff creates and maintains. Serving students in grades Young Fives through Fifth Grade, it is crucial that we maintain parent and community involvement.  I encourage you to get involved with PTO (Parent, Teacher Organization) right away! There is always an opportunity to lend a hand in many ways, and you will always find a parent to welcome you with a smile!  Our Carpenter parents, staff and students work tirelessly to create a respectful, responsible and safe environment.

Serving as Principal of Carpenter Elementary is as great an honor as it is a responsibility.  I believe the foundation of our future accomplishments will be to continue to provide our students with academic experiences that are rigorous, relevant and building lasting relationships.  It is important that everyone who enters through our front doors – staff, students, parents and community members – are excited to be here!  This attitude will allow us to embrace and meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive nurturing environment.  I look forward to working and learning with you all!

Again, welcome to Carpenter Elementary! 

Michael Johnson