Hatch bids adieu to a one in a million principal

An Ode to Mrs. Carter
She was born a leader. Sheila grew up in Chicago, daughter of Marshall and Essie Butler, with her brothers Michael, Marshall, Darryl and Lamar, with an early love for reading, journaling her favorite books and authors like Beverly Cleary and Louisa May Alcott. And, in between square dancing and making her own scorecards to track her Cubs, (she was a particular fan of the “million dollar infield:- even knew all the stats) she soon discovered she was a natural leader.
Sheila started out at Pope Elementary in Chicago, eventually landing at Harrison High (24th & Marshall). She was introduced to the joys of square dancing by a teacher who would make quite an impact on her life; physical education teacher, Herschel Tolson. Mr. Tolson inspired a love of not only dancing, but he was really the one to inspire Sheila to teach one day.
Sheila would graduate from University of Illinois Champaign for her undergraduate degree, eventually moving on to University of Illinois (Circle campus), and later UIC for her leadership and Type 75 degrees.
But it is how she has inspired both in the classroom (earning her the “Those Who Excel” honor during her tenure at Lincoln Elementary in Oak Park); to her inspiring, positive leadership at Hatch Elementary that sets her apart. Though Mrs. Carter knew early on she wanted to teach, as a member of the Future Teachers of America, her leadership was apparent too, captain of the cheerleaders, senior planner at school, she was the organizer for everything!
Sheila says that one of the keys to being a successful principal is to “Listen, and care enough to give time. If a child loses a lunchbox, don’t just tell them to go find it, go with them and look for it. Show them they can do it, and that you care.”
She stated the importance for the new principal and for any successful principal or administrator to nurture and support a connection between the staff (including the principal) and the students. She stressed the importance of “believing in consequences not punishment,” which is evident in walking the halls at Hatch. The Hatch Habits are a result of such an approach, as well as implementation of the “Think Tank.” Mrs. Carter says the Think Tank gives the students a place to go where they will “think about what happened, why it happened, and what they would do differently. “ It’s a chance for positive change, not punishment.
So, the plan for retirement, for this hard-working principal? Rest first, then she will continue making a difference in the community, teaching Sunday school, and doing some chores she hasn’t had the time to get to over the years!
Her advice for educators for those tough days when you need a boost? “Don’t give up. Think about what’s really making you feel odd, take some quiet time to reflect, then do what you need to do. Peace is the key. It’s not whether you’re right or wrong, you do what’s right with integrity.”
Sheila Carter in a nutshell. The peaceful, positive leader with loads of integrity. You will be dearly missed by your adoring community of parents, students, teachers, former students, and those who will have missed out on the special opportunity to work with one in a million.
Sheila Carter, You are an educator, principal, community leader, mentor and model of what every young child should strive to be. You have inspired countless children over the years, and we are beyond thankful for your time, energy and dedication. We look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday May 17th from 2-4pm at Hatch Elementary School, 1000 N. Ridgeland.
You are one who has not only excelled, but inspired, Congratulations on your retirement!
- On Behalf of the Hatch PTO