June 10, 2021

Dear Wells Elementary School Community, 

I am tremendously excited to be writing this letter, introducing myself to you as the Wells Elementary School Interim Principal. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with students, families, school personnel, and the community to continue the tradition of excellence in the Wells-Ogunquit Schools. I want to take this opportunity to share with you a bit about myself, as a first step toward building meaningful partnerships that will allow our students, school, and community to thrive. 

Teaching at Wells Elementary for the past three years has been the highlight of my career!  I have been surrounded with exceptionally skilled and passionate teachers who care deeply about their students. This energy and enthusiasm make WES a special place, and one that I am excited to lead. Having attended all three of the Wells-Ogunquit Schools as a student, the opportunity to provide young people in our community with opportunities to grow personally and academically has been something that I have cherished. Our schools and community have provided me with so much throughout the course of my life. Being in a position to give back and provide similar opportunities for this, and future generations of Warriors, is something that drives me every day. I am thankful for, and appreciative of, the chance to positively impact the lives of our students, their families, and our community as the Interim Principal at Wells Elementary School.

In addition to my time as a classroom teacher at WES, I completed an internship with administrators at both Wells Elementary School and Wells Junior High School during the 2020-2021 school year. The experience I have gained throughout this year, one filled with more learning opportunities than any other, will be invaluable as the Interim Principal at WES. I have also worked closely with WOCSD Athletic Director, Pierce Cole, for the past five years. Our work together on a wide range of issues has allowed me to serve our Athletics Department, while developing the well-rounded skill set necessary for success in school leadership. As a Warrior myself, it has been an honor to gain experience, while providing opportunities for young people in our community. 

In total, I have over twelve years of experience in public education. In addition to my time in the classroom at WES, I have worked in both the Kennebunk and Marshwood school districts. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Merrimack College, and I am completing my Masters in Education through Endicott College and the Maine Educators Consortium. 

My family is as excited as I am about the opportunity for me to serve our school community as Interim Principal. My wife, Eileen, is also a proud product of the Wells-Ogunquit Schools. She is also a fantastic first grade teacher at Eliot Elementary School, who continually helps me grow as an educator. We are thrilled to be raising our two sons in this community and sending them to these schools. As a classroom teacher, I have always made decisions for my students that I would want a teacher to make for my own child. As the interim principal, I will continue with that philosophy. 

Leading our school is a responsibility I take incredibly seriously. As I transition from teacher to principal, I bring with me a commitment to ensure that we provide an exceptional experience for each and every one of our students. I look forward to working in partnership with all of our students and families to achieve this common goal. 

Sincerely,

Kyle Burnell

Interim Principal

Wells Elementary School