Principal's Corner

 

Welcome to Oak Park Elementary! I have been the principal of Oak Park Elementary for 13 years and have loved each and every minute of it.  I feel so honored and humbled to work for the Ocean Springs School District and with such amazingly dedicated educators! 

We, at Oak Park, believe that each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs; therefore, our instructional practices incorporate a variety of learning strategies to accommodate differences in learning styles. Current research and best practices show that individualized instruction best meets the needs of all students. Oak Park strives to do this through our various individualized programs including fully inclusive classrooms. Diversity on our campus serves as a stimulus for growth and is one of our greatest assets.

Oak Park is a nurturing school that is committed to championing every child so that he can /she discover his/her unique and individual gifts, cultivate them, and share them with the world. Students at Oak Park receive well-rounded curricula experiences which not only consist of academia, but also include music, physical education, art, character education, and technology. We strive to hire and maintain highly effective employees who not only are effective instructors, but are true advocates for children. We have nine National Board Certified teachers, and 60% of our staff holds advanced degrees. Through an early response to intervention, quality professional development, data-driven decision making and collaboration, and empowerment, Oak Park’s teachers are highly successful in meeting the varying needs of all students.

We know that the school district is the focal point of our community, and Oak Park loves our families and understands that it takes a village to educate a child. We continue to maintain an “open door” policy with our families, create partnerships within the community, and provide opportunities for shared decision making when possible.  

As the principal of Oak Park, I am committed to providing an enriching and positive elementary experience for your child. I am committed to ensuring your child feels safe and loved while at the same time acquires the foundational skills needed to help him/her progress through his/her educational career. Oak Park welcomes you to our family, and we look forward to working with you and your child.  

Jennifer Pope, Ed.D.