Carter Takes the Helm at Saltonstall

A new principal with a familiar face greeted students when they returned to Saltonstall Sept. 9.

Principal Julie Carter began her term Aug. 1. Carter begins her tenure with 25 years of classroom teaching experience at Saltonstall and other schools.

"I love the classroom. The idea of leaving [the classroom] was hard for me... I really enjoy the engagement with the kids,"  she said.

Carter began her career teaching pre-school and high school special education. She first taught at Saltonstall when the school was just two years old, teaching kindergarten and first grade for five years.

She moved to Vermont where she continued teaching before returning to Saltonstall to teach the third and fourth grades.  Most recently, Carter has taught seventh- and eighth-grade students.

"All my years of experience tie in with the values of the school, which is that everybody belongs," Carter said. "Everyone should be challenged at the right level, including teachers as well as students. The challenge for me right now is to balance needs with demands and time," she explained.

According to Carter, Saltonstall is based on the theory of multiple "intelligences," which are "different ways of learning." Saltonstall intelligences include "the arts, movement, understanding yourself, understanding others and understanding nature," Carter explained.

Saltonstall has written the beginning of an Innovation Perspective and is applying to the state for autonomy. If granted, it may give Saltonstall freedom from district policies, Carter explained.

"It doesn't mean we won't go with a particular district policy, it just means we'll have the autonomy to be able to make some of our own decisions," Carter said.

Big moves that the school will make under Carter include strengthening the multiple intelligence work, "closing the gap" (making sure that all kids are achieving to the best of their ability), and building community relations, for example, with Salem State University.

Principal Carter is dedicated to continuing the tradition of parent involvement, already an intricate part of the school.

"What is amazing about Salem is that it offers a choice in schools. Saltonstall is unique as are many schools in Salem. Being in this new position and motivating decisions, shaping  values...is a good challenge for me."