Dana Pennanen might be in a new role at Clarkston Elementary School, but she’s definitely not new to the building and community.
Pennanen is the school’s new principal, a role she took on shortly before the 2004-2005 school year began. The new position is a bit of a ‘welcome home? for Pennanen: She began her teaching career as a student teacher at CES 10 years ago.
‘This is where I started, so it’s fun to come back,? Pennanen said.
After teaching fifth grade at CES, Pennanen switched to Independence Elementary before moving to Clarkston Middle School to work with the talent development program and teach sixth grade geography.
Working with the talent development program gave Pennanen a better feel for administration work.
‘I really got a feel for how things were running across the district,? Pennanen said. ‘I could see the impact.?
An administrative internship at Andersonville Elementary allowed Pennanen to gain even more experience in leadership.
‘It gave me some great insight to see what it’s like to be a principal,? Pennanen said.
Working in an administrative role was a feeling that grew over time.
‘It sort of just developed over time, but then it expanded to how I can make a difference,? Pennanen said.
Pennanen was hired to fill the vacant position, left by Betty Kozma, just a few days before school started.
‘It’s been a whirlwind, it’s so exciting,? Pennanen said. ‘People are so welcoming here.?
A ‘welcome? assembly introduced Pennanen to students at the beginning of the year. She can be found walking around the school’s halls introducing herself to students on a daily basis.
‘It gives them a chance to know me as a person,? Pennanen said. ‘They’ve been great.?
First on the agenda for Pennanen is get better acquainted with the school’s community and traditions.
‘There are lots of traditions I’d like to continue,? Pennanen said. ‘Just getting to know the staff and students, that’s really my first goal.?
Pennanen received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Michigan State University. Married for nine years, Pennanen is expecting her first baby this November.
The best part of the day, and more importantly her job, for Pennanen is the morning as her students arrive at school.
‘The kids and the excitement they bring: That feeling, that energy you get from them. That’s the best part of my day, when they’re walking in,? Pennanen said.