Beacon Tree Elementary
55885 Schoenherr
Shelby Township, MI 48315
Phone: 586.797.7300
Attendance line: 586.797.7399
e-mail: beacontreeinfo@ucs.misd.net
Gail Clor, Principal
Dear Beacon Tree Parents:
Welcome to Beacon Tree Elementary School! We serve 650 students in Kindergarten through sixth grade.
My name is Gail Clor, and I am the principal of this wonderful new learning community. I am happy to welcome you, a valued member of our school family to be a part of our inaugural year.
I am honored to be able to work with your children. I understand the importance of assembling a staff that is positive, highly qualified, student-centered and who are themselves life-long learners.
For the past eight years, I have served as principal of Burr Elementary School, part of the Utica Community Schools. My professional years have been enhanced by my teaching and administrative experiences in Ferndale and the Dearborn School District. I received my graduate, undergraduate and administrative degree from Oakland University.
As a youngster, I attended schools in Detroit and Warren and then moved to Shelby Township. My British heritage introduced me to Scottish Dancing and after competing nationally and internationally I taught Scottish Dancing for 25 years.
My love of children and the educational process provides the basis for the educational philosophy that I want to make a part of Beacon Tree: that every child is a unique individual who will be treated with respect in a positive learning environment. I am committed to serving students, parents, and staff and to facilitate the growth of individual learners.
Helping your children honor the worth and dignity of themselves and others is vital. Providing learning and growth opportunities for students, in an optimal learning environment, is the highest priority. Parent involvement will be a critical component of our new elementary school. Open communication with parents is essential. I welcome and encourage active parent involvement and communication.
In Macomb County, Beacon Tree has long served as the symbol of a new and renewed life. Its rich history is significant to the themes that will help bring our school together as we grow.
The original Beacon Tree grew just a few miles west of this location on Spring Hill Farm in Shelby Township. It served as a post along the Underground Railroad, beckoning runaway slaves to find shelter under its branches; a resting place on the long journey to freedom in the North. We will plant a red cedar tree at the entrance of our school in recognition of the brave men and women who sought freedom, and those who helped them attain it. Both were rallied around a single dream…the basic right to make their own decisions; to live, worship and become educated as they saw fit.
The creative planning that has gone into our new school reflects the Utica Community Schools' commitment to providing our students with the very best educational experiences. The 99,000 - square foot building will be the district's largest elementary. The school's unique design features two instructional wings - one for kindergarten through third grade, the other for fourth through sixth grade.
The design of the building includes classrooms dedicated to the study of art, science and music and collaborative learning space to enhance the use of wireless technology. The opportunity to expand classroom learning potential to the real world through the use of video teleconferencing will become reality.
I know you are anxious to get started. In August, you'll be invited to an Open House to meet your child's teacher, etc.
Again, welcome to the Beacon Tree Elementary School family. Together, we will honor the memories of the past even as we dream of the future.
Sincerely,
Gail Clor