Stratton Elementary is an outstanding school with a long history of excellence. I am honored to be the new principal and would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Stratton community.

During my 20 years as an educator I have taught in a variety of settings. I was a librarian, classroom, gifted and talented, technology, and graduate studies teacher. I also held several leadership roles as an assistant principal, director of assessment and instructional technology, and as a consultant to the Colorado Department of Education for school improvement.

I attended Colorado Mountain College to study Audio Visual Production and then transferred to the University of Northern Colorado to earn my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development. I later completed my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction / Instructional Technology from the University of Texas. Through the University of Denver school administration program I received my principal license.

I am married to my wonderful wife Shannon, and have four children. Shannon is a second grade teacher at Scott Elementary and has been teaching for 5 years. My oldest son, Zacc, is a sophomore in the IB program at Palmer High School. My eldest daughter, Abbi, will also attend Palmer High School this year as a freshman in IB. My youngest are fraternal twins, Maxx, and Maislinn. They both will be in the sixth grade and just starting the IB program at North Middle School. Outside of school my children swim competitively with the Falfins swim team.

As we begin the 2008-09 school year I look forward to getting to know all the students and their families. Please feel free to stop in and introduce yourself whenever you are at the school.

Sincerely,

Duane Helfer