Principal for the Day Event Goes Deeper than Reading, Writing, & Arithmetic

Mary Forrest, owner of Forrest Insurance Agency, had been to the Welches School before, thanks to watching her two boys play sports there. But on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Forrest got a much more nuanced look into what goes on during school hours, thanks to the annual Principal for the Day event held in partnership with the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I expected to observe a day in the life of a principal, but I came away with so much more,” she said. “I had no idea just how full and complex a day at school can be from the administrative side.”

Forrest spent the morning with Kendra Payne, Welches School Principal, which included classroom visits, a tour of the buildings, and all the unexpected interruptions that happen just about every day, including some upset students.

“The staff was patient and kind the entire time,” said Forrest, who has lived in the school district for 35 years and been with Farmers Insurance for 25 years, including the last four with her own agency based in Sandy. “The way the school wrapped around those kids with compassion was nothing short of inspiring.”

She added that she saw how much more there is in a school day besides teaching, as staff also support students emotionally, socially, and even during challenging times. “I was especially impressed by how well they knew each student personally, including the challenges they might be facing at home,” Forrest said, describing Payne as “incredibly warm, professional, and responsive.”

“That level of care and awareness made a huge impression on me,” Forrest added. “The building was welcoming and clearly designed to support both learning and community.”

Payne appreciated the chance to show off the students and staff that she oversees.

“All our teachers and staff work so hard to help our students grow,” she said. “And the Welches community is special, in the passion for our school and in supporting our students.”

Forrest, whose sons graduated from Sandy High School in 2014 and 2016, shared those sentiments as she reflected on their elementary school years at Cottrell Elementary.

“I left feeling emotional, inspired and grateful. I now see the school not just as a place of learning, but as a place of healing, growth, and real community,” she said.

Other Principal for the Day participants were Ken Harrison of Sandy Kiwanis at Firwood Elementary, Brian York of Clackamas County Bank at Boring Middle School, Seth Olson of Clackamas County Bank at Kelso Elementary, Paul Reed of Mt. Hood Athletic Club at Cedar Ridge Middle School, Kim Turin of Jamba Juice/Mt. Hood Eye Care at Sandy Grade School, Lacy Renard of Stow-A-Way Mini Storage at Sandy High School, and Lisa Snider of the Mountain Festival Committee at Oregon Trail Academy.