Dear Minter Community,

It is with an abundance of joy and excitement that I write this letter of introduction as the Principal of Sara Harp Minter Elementary School. It is a privilege and honor to serve such an amazing community, working together to educate, equip, and inspire students to become respectful, responsible and safe leaders.

With over 22 years of educational experience, I look forward to another PAWSOME year as a Minter Mountain Lion! My administrative experience has been shaped by eight years of successful leadership in Fayette County, serving as the Assistant Principal at both Fayetteville and Peachtree City Elementary Schools. Prior to my role as a leader, I was a math and literacy Instructional Coach as well as a special education teacher for 12 years. In addition, I spent my first year of teaching in a third grade classroom at a small charter school. I was born and raised in Florida and taught there for seven years before moving to Georgia in 2007. I am a graduate of the University of Florida, University of West Georgia, and most recently a graduate of the University of Georgia where I completed my doctorate in educational leadership.

As your Principal, I look forward each day to building/strengthening relationships with our students, families, and staff. I am elated to partner with you as an instructional and servant leader with high expectations for learning in a nurturing, positive environment that allows children to thrive and feel successful. My goal is to continue the tradition of excellence at Sara Harp Minter, and I am committed to meeting the needs of our students while remaining cognizant of the value of effective communication with all stakeholders. My passion is teaching and learning, and I will support you as we ensure that every student is afforded a quality education. It is important to me that everyone who steps into our building is welcomed and excited to be here!

I am truly honored to serve all stakeholders of the Minter community and look forward to another successful year of teaching and learning. Please know that my door will always be open, and, in the spirit of open and honest collaboration, I sincerely welcome your conversation and input. I look forward to meeting and getting to know each one of you. I cannot wait to celebrate our collective successes during the 2023-2024 school year.

In partnership, 

Dr. Coppola 

Dear Minter Parents, students, and community,

     It is with enthusiasm and commitment to excellence that I write this letter to the Sara Harp Minter community for the 2023-2024 school year. It is my twenty-fourth year in education. In my first ten years, I was a special education teacher at Port Monmouth Road School in Keansburg, New Jersey. My next thirteen years have been at Sara Harp Minter elementary school. Eleven as a special education teacher, and this will be my third year as assistant principal. During that time, I have had the opportunity to take on various roles and actively support the school community. I aim to maximize student growth by supporting administration, staff, parents, and students. I am committed to continuing this by working in partnership and supporting Dr. Coppola, the students, parents, and staff.

     I have an open door as it is essential to me to nurture this partnership. Sara Harp Minter's strength has always been its community's support. I look forward to collaborating with all community members to meet our students' academic, social, and emotional needs. To accomplish this, I am committed to supporting best instructional practices as I collaborate daily with our teachers. I participate in continuous professional growth. I am committed to building relationships and working with our students and parents through collaboration and conversations. I celebrate our student, teacher, and community successes. I welcome and look forward to building upon this partnership to continue the excellence at Sara Harp Minter Elementary School.

In partnership,

Erik Falkenhagen

falkenhagen.erik@fcboe.org

770-716-3910