For Immediate Release — June 6, 2005 |
Martha Deutscher: DoDEA, Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — June 6, 2005 — The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) proudly announces that Melissa L. Klopfer has been named as a National Distinguished Elementary School Principal of the Year. She is currently at Aviano Elementary School, in Aviano, Italy.
The National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Program is jointly sponsored by the United States Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The Program is designed to recognize excellence among both elementary and middle school principals. Principals selected for recognition have been principals for at least five years, and demonstrate strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students.
One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Principals representing private K-8 schools, Department of Defense Dependents' Schools, and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools are also recognized. Public school principals are nominated by peers in their home states, and the final selection for each state's NDP is made by the NAESP state affiliate. Honorees from private schools and overseas schools are selected by special committees.
Ms. Klopfer received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Education, Supervision and Administration from San Diego State University.
Ms. Klopfer says she "serves as a mentor and resource to several of our teacher leaders as they work toward becoming Assistant Principals." Her role as a principal and as a leader is appreciated not only by students and staff but also by parents, one of whom noted that Ms. Klopfer "ensures that our community is informed on school related issues through monthly newsletters, frequent emails, personal phone calls and parent meetings.""DoDEA salutes Ms. Klopfer for her dedication and her accomplishments and we wish her continued success" said Dr. Joe Tafoya, Director for DoDEA.