McCarter Elementary School

Our Lead Principal
Mrs. Cooney
[email protected]

785-438-4660

It is a privilege to be in my twelfth year serving as the principal of McCarter Elementary School, home of the mustangs. Prior to joining the McCarter family, I served as a principal in Holton, KS for three years. Before that, I enjoyed teaching 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grades over a thirteen year span in Tecumseh, KS. My years spent as a classroom teacher helped shape my belief that children should be at the heart of every decision made in a school.

I was born in New York City, New York but I spent much of my childhood in Salina, KS. I graduated from Salina Central High School. After graduation, I obtained a certificate in commercial art from Salina Area Vo-Tech. Next, my undergraduate degree in education, with an endorsement to teach kindergarten through ninth grades, was earned from Kansas Wesleyan University. Lastly, I obtained my master's degree in educational administration, K-12, from Emporia State in 2007.

I believe that behind every successful student is a strong partnership between the school, the student, and the parent or guardian. At McCarter, you will find multiple ways to be a part of your child's education. We encourage you to attend parent teacher conferences, family engagement activities, and PTO events.

Thanks to a top-notch staff, stellar students, and strong support from our families, McCarter students routinely surpass the state averages in reading, math, and science. Just as a house needs a firm foundation in order to remain sturdy, we believe that a child needs a solid education at the elementary level so that he or she can build upon that success and achieve his or her dreams in life. I am honored to serve the McCarter community and I look forward to getting to know all of our families as we work together toward continued success!

Sincerely,

Katherine Cooney, Head McCarter Principal

Our Assistant Principal
Mrs. Tiller
[email protected]

785-438-4660

Welcome to McCarter! It is an honor to serve as your assistant principal. This is my 5th year at McCarter and my 11th year in education. I've spent my entire career in the Topeka Public Schools district as a teacher, instructional coach, and now an assistant principal. I've loved working for our amazing district where I truly believe we inspire excellence for a lifetime.

I'm a lifelong Topekan. I completed my Bachelors Degree at Washburn University in elementary education, early childhood education, and early childhood special education. From there I went on to teach for six years but knew I needed to complete my calling. I began my Master's Degree at Baker University in educational leadership and graduated in December of 2016.

In my freetime I love spending time with my family. My husband and I were married just this last summer, June 2018, which may be why some of our students at McCarter know me by a different name. We enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, family, and our dog, Holly. We also enjoy watching sports. My husband is a graduate of Topeka West and played soccer and football his entire childhood. We love to attend games and support Topeka Public Schools.

McCarter Elementary is a safe community that empowers diverse learners who are ready, respectful, responsible citizens. With your continued partnership and support, each and every student at McCarter will achieve greatness.