Andra Bowen: Bethel Elementary School Principal
Photo of a woman in green, smiling with a stuffed toy tiger.

Principal Andra Bowen has served as an elementary principal for the Bethel community since 2019. She began her career in education in 2000 as a first-grade teacher in Bethel and has spent her career working with children, families, and educators across the White River Valley.

A longtime Vermonter and resident of Bethel for more than 20 years, Andra is deeply connected to the community she serves. She and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of two daughters. Outside of school, Andra enjoys gardening and cooking with produce from her large vegetable garden, reading, taking walks, spending time at camp, sitting around the fire pit, and making memories with family and friends.

Andra is passionate about creating schools where children feel known, valued, challenged, and supported. She believes that strong relationships, high expectations, engaging learning experiences, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to helping every child thrive.

You can reach Principal Bowen at abowen@wrvsu.org.

a LETTER FROM PRINCIPALS BOWEN & PIKE

Welcome to White River Valley Elementary Schools: Home of the Wildcats!

It is an honor to serve the students, families, and staff of the White River Valley Elementary School community. Our school includes two campuses—Bethel Elementary and South Royalton Elementary—serving children from preschool through fifth grade. While each campus has its own unique personality and traditions, we are united by our commitment to providing every child with a safe, welcoming, and engaging place to learn and grow.

A typical day for a White River Valley Elementary student includes opportunities for literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, writing, social-emotional learning, and meaningful collaboration with peers and teachers. Our students also participate in a wide range of essential learning experiences, including music, physical education, art, library, outdoor education, and guidance. These experiences are an important part of developing the whole child and help our students discover their interests, build confidence, develop relationships, and understand their place in our school and community.

At White River Valley Elementary, we are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based instruction and a strong foundation in literacy and mathematics. We use assessment and other student data to understand what our students know, identify areas for growth, and provide instruction and intervention that responds to individual needs. Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) brings these efforts together so that students receive the right level of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to help them succeed.

Just as importantly, we believe that children learn best when they feel a strong sense of belonging. Our school community works together to teach, model, and celebrate our Wildcat expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. Through morning meetings, social-emotional learning via The Positivity Project, Wildcat Time, and positive behavior supports, we intentionally create opportunities for students to build relationships, practice important life skills, and contribute to a positive school culture.

Our educators are lifelong learners, too. We are committed to ongoing professional learning, collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement so that we can provide students with rigorous, engaging, and responsive learning experiences. We believe in setting high expectations for every child while providing the support, encouragement, and relationships they need to meet those expectations.

Families and community members are essential partners in this work. We invite you to be an active part of your child's educational journey and to share in the many wonderful things happening at our schools. Together, we can create a school experience where every child feels a sense of belonging, experiences success, and develops the skills and confidence to become a lifelong learner.

Welcome to another exciting school year, Wildcats! I look forward to learning, growing, and celebrating with our students, families, and staff throughout the school year.

Warmly,

Andra Bowen, Bethel Elementary & Jackie Pike, South Royalton Elementary School

Jackie Pike: South Royalton Elementary School Principal
principal Bowen a blonde woman sits at a table with a young student.

Hello South Royalton Elementary students and families!

My name is Jacquelinn Pike, and I am thrilled to join the South Royalton Elementary community as your new principal! This year marks my tenth year in education, and I am excited to bring my experience, energy, and enthusiasm to this wonderful school community.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve in several leadership roles, including Interim Assistant Principal and Student Support Coordinator. These experiences have reinforced for me how important it is to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff. I am especially looking forward to getting to know each of our students and learning more about the South Royalton community.

I believe strongly in the power of communication and community. When schools and families work together, students thrive. I welcome your questions, ideas, and partnership as we work together to make South Royalton Elementary a place where every student feels known, supported, and excited to learn. I can be reached at jpike@wrvsu.org.

Outside of school, I am a mom to three daughters. Our family loves reading books and spending as much time as we can outdoors. We enjoy exploring, taking adventures, and making the most of our time together.

I am so excited to begin this journey with all of you. I look forward to meeting our students and families, building relationships, and becoming part of the South Royalton community.

Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead!