Welcome to Carlson Elementary School!
My name is Melissa Pluszczynski and I am so grateful to be the principal of Carlson Elementary School. This is my 23rd year in VDPS and I look forward to working closely with students, families and staff this year! I have worked with students from Pre-K to 12 and have been in all elementary buildings! I am an Oakland University Graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master's Degree in Special Education, and my Education Specialist in Leadership. I taught special education, was an academic coach, an elementary principal, and the director of the Kennedy Early Childhood Center. Van Dyke is my family!
I have been married to my husband Brad for 21 years. My son Brendan is 15 and will be a sophomore at Lakeview High School. We have 2 French Bulldog puppies we love, Chandler and Beau!
The 2023-2024 school year is going to be wonderful! I look forward to another fantastic year!
VISION STATEMENT
A Carlson Knight Does What's Right!
This vision statement encompasses all Carlson Stakeholder, including students, staff, families, and community.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a learning community consisting of students, parents, professional staff and interested community members.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school that addresses the educational needs of all students. Those needs will be determined on an ongoing basis through assessment.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school where our students progress academically, socially, and behaviorally.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school where our student test scores will continue to show improvement.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school that incorporates collaborative groups and the innovative use of resources and materials.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school with an established program that utilizes parents and community volunteers during and after school.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school in which leadership fosters participation and decision making from all members of the learning community.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school that continues to build positive working relationships within our community.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a success-oriented school, where all students feel accepted and safe.
CARLSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VALUES
1. Communicate and collaborate to guarantee each student is receiving the help they need.
2. Be positive in our belief that every child can be successful.
3. Value students as individuals and work together as a team for the achievement of all.
4. Hold high expectations for each student.
5. Be active in the Carlson community, and work toward common goals to help ensure student success.