UP Elementary Principal Says Farewell
After working in education for 46 years, University Park Elementary School principal Dr. Lynda Carter has retired as of June 30. Carter joined Highland Park ISD at UP Elementary in 2003, which she called one of her “greatest privileges.”
During her time leading the Panther family, Carter helped form and maintain many special programs and traditions, such as the KPAW Morning News, Pumpkin Day, International Day, Camp Read-A-Long, and Camp Write-A-Lot. Under her leadership, UP was named a Blue Ribbon School in 2006; in the 2015-16 school year, 68 students were named to the Duke University Talent Identification Program; and UP Elementary is currently listed as the second-best elementary in Texas by Niche.com.
“Leading this school has been the capstone experience of an already remarkable and rewarding career path for me,” Carter said in a press release. “Teaching is such noble work and I am beyond grateful for the children whose lives I’ve had the opportunity to influence.”
Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg thanked Carter for leading UP Elementary for the past 13 years.
“Dr. Carter has fostered a sense of caring, love, and support within the walls of University Park Elementary, and she has helped encourage a love of learning in thousands of students,” Dr. Trigg said. “The passion she has for her students is unequivocal, and she will always be a UP Panther at heart.”
HPISD reports officials have already started the search for UP Elementary’s new principal to begin the 2016-17 school year. A committee, which will include parents and teachers, has been formed to recommend a list of skills, attributes, and preferred experience for potential candidates.
– Staff Reports
