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New dean helping kids navigate the world

Meet Your Administrator: Sean McLaughlin

Thornapple Kellogg — Sean McLaughlin is the new dean of students at Page Elementary. 

Previous positions in the district: Thornapple Kellogg High School dean of students 

On changing grade levels: “One of the commitments I made to myself and my staff this year was that I would never, ever, forget what it’s like to be a classroom teacher. (As a teacher) you are everything to your students in that classroom. No matter what grade level, you’re always developing relationships and connecting with families to understand your students’ needs.

“Parents will always be the child’s first and most important teacher, but we are their second and (we) help kids navigate the world and nurture their family’s teachings and values from home.”  

Page Elementary’s new dean of students, Sean McLaughlin, on the first day of school (courtesy)

What you’re excited about in your new position: “Helping kids take a break from whatever they’re carrying around with them during the day and do something unexpected … Like getting out my singing toy crab or dancing giraffe when a student needs a laugh.”

Read more from Thornapple Kellogg: 
He returned to education because he missed impacting students
District wraps up bond work after five years of improvements

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Alexis Stark
Alexis Stark
Alexis Stark is a reporter covering Byron Center, Caledonia, Godfrey-Lee, Kenowa Hills and Thornapple Kellogg. She grew up in metro Detroit and her journalism journey brought her west to Grand Rapids via Michigan State University where she covered features and campus news for The State News. She also co-authored three 100-question guides to increase understanding and awareness of various human identities, through the MSU School of Journalism. Following graduation, she worked as a beat reporter for The Ann Arbor News, covering stories on education, community, prison arts and poetry, before finding her calling in education reporting and landing at SNN. Alexis is also the author of a poetry chapbook, “Learning to Sleep in the Middle of the Bed.”

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