Dear Westridge Community,

First, I want to say how thrilled and honored I am to be the next principal at Westridge. In my year as Student Support Specialist, I have grown to care deeply for our students, staff and families. Before we head further into summer, I wanted to take a moment to personally introduce myself. One quick clarification, many of you met me as Ms. Zimmer, but I was married last summer and legally changed my name midway through the school year to Ms. Weaver - sorry for the confusion! 

A bit about my personal background: I grew up next door to Lake Oswego in West Linn and spent time at many of the community staples - fireworks at the swim park, dance classes in the basement below Wizer’s, and playing in George Rogers Park. When it came time to head to college I was ready for sunshine and ended up spending 15 years in San Diego as a student and then a teacher. I came back to Oregon (and the rain) in 2015 to be close to family. In addition to my husband, my family includes a dog named Tucker and a baby girl due this fall (more on that below).

The experiences that have brought me to this role are 15 years as a classroom teacher in 2nd-8th grade in San Diego and West Linn, one year as the Student Support Specialist at Westridge, completing the Lewis and Clark Administrative License program, and many years learning with fabulous teachers, caring families, and exceptional students. 

You may be wondering what I will be like as a principal and what values I bring to the role. As a teacher and administrator, I strongly believe in educating the whole child. A caring and engaging community sets the stage for students and adults to grow. So, my first focus will always be on the well-being of each person in this school and I will do my best to maintain a caring, safe and healthy community. Another priority is the academic growth of each child in our care. We know that for students to grow, they need appropriate challenges, differentiated support and engaging strategies to access curriculum and achieve mastery. 

Lastly, as I mentioned, I am expecting my first child this fall. I will be working starting July 1st right up to the point that I either need to slow down or she arrives! At that time, I will be taking the fall off to care for her. I will be collaborating with Noah Hurd, currently the Assistant Principal at Lakeridge High School,  through the summer and he will be the interim principal until I return from maternity leave. 

I will be responding to emails, and can schedule time to chat over the phone or meet in person this summer. Please feel free to contact me at weaverl@loswego.k12.or.us. I look forward to getting to know you and our future partnerships!

Thank you,

Laura Weaver