It is often referred to as a hidden gem -- Brandywine Elementary School. Inside the halls, you will hear laughter, see smiles, feel comfort and experience personalized learning at its very best.
With current Brandywine Principal, Mark Kern, retiring at the end of this school year the question quickly turned to, "Who will lead Brandywine?" Superintendent Lisa Lantrip said, "There was never any question as to who would lead Brandywine once I learned about a current administrator interested in leading the school. It is an honor to announce that I am naming Dr. Rhonda Peterson, who is currently the Curriculum Director for the district, Principal of Brandywine Elementary School (BWE).
Upon learning that Mark Kern was retiring, Dr. Peterson talked with Dr. Lantrip about her vision for Brandywine. "I am passionate about Brandywine," said Dr. Peterson. "Brandywine is a hidden gem, and my heart is telling me that Brandywine is where I am supposed to be."
"I am passionate about Brandywine," said Dr. Peterson. Brandywine is a hidden Gem, and my heart is telling me that Brandywine is where i am supposed to be."
"When Dr. Peterson spoke to me about her plans for Brandywine and the direction she wanted to take if given an opportunity to lead the staff and students, I knew she was a perfect fit for that building," said Dr. Lantrip. "Her eyes sparkled when she talked about her desire to make a difference for the students, families and staff at Brandywine."
Dr. Peterson is especially interested in following in Mark Kern's footsteps. In a recent administrator meeting she shared that perhaps she was the one in the room who had known Mark Kern the longest. She said that she had known Mark since she was in 5th grade when he was a teacher in the building where she attended school. Fast forward to years later when Dr. Peterson said she had a desire to move back to this area. She was teaching in Hope, Indiana and had heard that a new school, Sugar Creek Elementary School, was being built. At that time, Mark was the principal at New Palestine Elementary School. She called Mark to inquire about openings in the district. He put her in touch with the principal, and Dr. Peterson was hired to teach kindergarten.
Dr. Peterson said, "Mark Kern helped me get back to the place I loved, the place I wanted to raise my family, the place I wanted to teach, the place I wanted to call home. For that I am forever grateful." After a few years teaching at Sugar Creek, Dr. Peterson was appointed Director of Curriculum and Technology for the district. She has been serving in that role for 13 years.
"Mark kern helped me get back to the place i loved, the place i wanted to raise my family, the place i wanted to teach, the place i wanted to call home. for that I am forever grateful."
"I was ready for a new challenge. My heart was leading me to a principalship. I had a growing desire to be back with the kids," said Dr. Peterson. "When Mark announced his retirement, my heart told me what my next step should be. And, how ironic that Mark is paving the way for me again. As he transitions to the next chapter, I have been given the opportunity to follow in his footsteps, to follow in the footsteps of the person who set me on this path years ago."
Dr. Peterson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role in the district. During her 17 years in the corporation, she has displayed a passion for supporting teachers and students in their quest for learning. For the past eight years, Dr. Peterson has devoted much of her time to preparing and executing a blueprint for digital transformation within twenty-first century learning environments. Dr. Peterson’s knowledge of school curriculum, coupled with her passion for educational technology, has allowed her to promote excellence within the school district.
Dr. Peterson earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Ball State University, a M.Ed. and principal’s certification from Indiana Wesleyan University, and her Ed.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University.
"I have a vision for Brandywine. It is the smallest of our schools, a hidden gem, and I am excited to be a part of the Brandywine family," said Dr. Peterson. "Brandywine has always been special to me. There is an unbelievable warmth in that building."
"I have a vision for Brandywine. It is the smallest of our schools, a hidden gem, and I am excited to be a part of the brandywine family," said dr. Peterson. "Brandywine has always been special to me. There is an unbelievable warmth in that building."
Dr. Lantrip echoed Dr. Peterson's feelings about Brandywine. "When appointed Superintendent, the first time I visited Brandywine for lunch, I was taken aback at the warmth and sincerity of the children and staff. I was greeted in the lunchroom with big smiles and warm welcomes. I knew instantly it was a special place," said Dr. Lantrip.
Dr. Peterson looks forward to once again serving the children of Southern Hancock Schools directly, in her new role as Principal.
Article written by Janet Mann