We're moving to Madison! After much discussion and long lists of pros and cons, my husband and I decided he should accept a job offer in Madison. I was thrilled.

The first seven years of my career in education were spent in the Monroe and Janesville school districts. I received my master's degree from the UW and was eager to return to Madison. My husband moved here in April of last year and I moved after completing my sixth year as an elementary principal in Green Bay.

Since we have arrived in Madison, he reminds me daily how the streets in Chicago, which he travels frequently, are on a grid, making it much easier to navigate than the city of Madison. Needless to say, since we moved to Madison, you will find me doing most of the navigating.

The Green Bay School District has been working with the MMSD over the past few years in the area of literacy and the Minority Student Achievement Network. When I was offered the position of principal at Stephens Elementary School, I was excited to continue to learn more about how the MMSD is supporting students in these areas.

I continue to learn more and more each day. The staff at Stephens is an exceptional group of educators who give 110% to students, the students keep me going with their bright smiles, humorous comments and endless hugs, and the parent group is always available to lend a hand and support the Stephens community.

I will never forget my first day as principal of Stephens School and introducing myself to a group of 2nd and 3rd graders. One of the students introduced herself to me and shook my hand, quickly stating "You even look new."

This "new" principal finds each day in MMSD challenging and rewarding.