Aug 25, 2023 | Dudley Early Learning Center, Fremont, Post-Franklin, Springfield Middle School
Last school year finished on an incredible note, with the announcement of the Bearcat Advantage scholarship program and a more than $10,000 average teacher salary increase. Now, we’re excited to carry this momentum into the 2023-24 school year!
This week, we welcomed back teachers and staff as they receive professional development and time in their classrooms before students come back on August 23rd. In addition to an amazing class of new Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS) teachers and support staff, we are thrilled to welcome three new principals, and one familiar face in a new space, who will continue the great work in their buildings.
Kelly Tews, Assistant Principal, Springfield Middle School
Kelly Tews brings more than 20 years of experience as an educator and leader to Springfield Middle School, which recently received its classification as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme candidate school. During her career, Ms. Tews has played integral roles in improving school culture and climate and is passionate about working with teachers and support staff to improve student outcomes.
Ms. Tews shared, "I am thrilled to be a part of the great things happening in BCPS and Springfield Middle School. I am looking forward to leading first by example and building relationships with the students, staff, and families so we can collaborate to support student success."
Shawn Caldwell, Head of School, Fremont International Baccalaureate Academy
Born and raised in nearby Hillsdale, Mich., Mr. Caldwell has spent the majority of his career in Fort Wayne, IN, where he gained extensive experience as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He is sure to receive a warm welcome from the staff, students, and families of Fremont International Academy, which recently received its official designation as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school.
Mr. Caldwell shared, “The inquiry-based, globally-minded learning taking place at Fremont will be rewarding to observe. I’m looking forward to working with the team here to meet our students' educational, emotional, & safety needs to ensure a positive learning environment for all.”
Cassandra Quearry, Principal, Dudley STEM Elementary
A familiar face to the Dudley Elementary community, Mrs. Quearry is excited to transition from the school’s pre-Kindergarten teacher to principal beginning this school year. She brings more than 15 years of experience as an educator, including the last four years with BCPS between Dudley and Fremont International Academy, and as the assistant principal of our elementary summer program, Bearcat Blast.
With advanced degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership, Mrs. Quearry is more than ready to jump in and work with her familiar staff to lead the Dudley community to success.
“I already have a deep appreciation and love for this school, our staff, and the students and families we serve,” Mrs. Quearry shared. “I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for us here at Dudley!”
Kavonna Matthews, Principal, Post-Franklin Elementary
Ms. Matthews is an experienced leader for Battle Creek Public Schools, who is more than prepared to step in and continue the great things happening at Post-Franklin Elementary. After completing her internship with Battle Creek Central High School, Ms. Matthews has spent the last 20-plus years with BCPS as a teacher, elementary and middle school assistant principal, and most recently as an elementary principal with Dudley Elementary.
With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and an abundance of experience, Ms. Matthews is situated well to lead the incredible team of educators at Post-Franklin. “I’ve been able to observe the incredible culture that has defined the Post-Franklin community for years, and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to join beginning this school year,” Ms. Matthews shared.
