Godfrey-Lee — Principal Kathleen Veenstra Pool earned the nickname “Queen Elsa” after singing “Show Yourself” from the Disney movie “Frozen 2” at a recent assembly to celebrate reading achievements.
She said she chose to perform that song in front of the entire Early Childhood Center because she wanted students to feel empowered to “step into their power” and “do things (while) scared.”
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘She believed she could, so she did,’ and I want students to know they can do things scared,” she said. “I was scared to sing in front of the kids and staff, but I did it scared.”
At the end of the school day, a student popped into their principal’s office to say “hi” and Pool asked, “What was your favorite part of the day?”
Without missing a beat, the student said, “Your singing.”
Pool has almost completed her first year as principal at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center. SNN gets to know her in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.
Other positions held in education: Pool worked in Newaygo Public Schools for four years, where she taught first-grade art and fourth- and fifth-grade music and art, Spanish and choir at the high school. She then taught music in Forest Hills Public Schools for 22 years. At Ada Vista Elementary, Forest Hills’ Spanish immersion school, she taught music in English and Spanish, as well as special education. She also taught music with Early Childhood Special Education students at Ada Vista. Pool completed a principal internship at Ada Vista before transitioning to her current position at the Godfrey Lee ECC.
Jobs held outside of education: When she’s not on the clock as a principal, Pool works gigs as a professional singer. She also has taught singing lessons, and taught music at Calvin University as an adjunct professor.
“I started publicly performing with my sister when I was 8 years old,” she said. “We are third generation musicians, following my dad and my grandparents, and now my kids are involved with music.”
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree in music education, Western Michigan University
- Master’s course work in music education, University of Michigan
- Master’s degree in special education, focus in teaching of individuals with specific learning disabilities, Calvin College
What made you decide to pursue education? “I remember wanting to be a teacher when I was in kindergarten because I didn’t feel comfortable with my kindergarten teacher. I was scared of her.”
Pool said her mom and dad were also “instrumental” in her decision. She recalled a childhood memory of setting up carnival games in her backyard for her friends and would charge a penny to play.
“I gave them all pennies because I didn’t want to charge them. I knew the importance of inclusion, even back then.”
What drew you to the Godfrey-Lee district? “The diversity, the early childhood program, the special education program — it just felt right when matching up my experiences with what is already going on here. It was a smaller district, which was a great appeal. … The beauty of being a community school is the ability to partner with families on a deep and meaningful level; not just with regard to academics and behavior, but the whole child, and the whole family.”
What ideas or strategies did you bring to Godfrey-Lee ECC from your last position? “I held a number of leadership roles in Forest Hills and we did a ton with cultural intelligence. I grew up with not a lot of money but still with privilege, so I want to give back and serve and learn from and support growth for every human in this building. … I wanted to be a leader that put people first and developed relationships first, and then helped people step into their power. People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”
How have you encouraged student voice in your building? “Everyone should have a voice, and it’s important that they have agency. This year, with staff meetings and professional development, I have worked very hard on belonging, teamwork and equity with the staff. … I try to be available for kids. They can come get ice from me, ask questions and share things with me to ensure safe back and forth communication.”
What would you like to share about your family? Pool’s husband, Andrew, has taught at Forest Hills Public Schools for more than 20 years. He also plays viola in the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. Together, they have three children; the eldest daughter recently got married and lives in San Diego, California working toward her PhD in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. Pool’s middle son lives in Grand Rapids and sings with her in the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, and her youngest daughter graduates with her bachelor’s degree this spring. All three of her children have been involved with music in some capacity and went through FHPS’ Spanish immersion program and are bilingual, just like their mom.
“My family loves traveling, camping and boating, which I’ve been doing since I was younger. Every year, we camp in Interlochen, Michigan and my kids keep coming back, even though they live out of state.”
What are some of your hobbies and interests? Outside of teaching, Pool’s greatest passion is singing. She said she has loved to sing since she was young and enjoys classical music the most. In 1992, she spent the summer studying voice and opera at The American Institute of Music Studies in Graz, Austria. She has sung with the GR Symphony Chorus for 20 years, the past few years alongside her son and her sister.
Describe your leadership style in seven words: “Compassionate, collaborative, relationship-based, intentional, transparent, inclusive and evidence-based.” Pool collaborated with ECC assistant principal Johana Rodriguez to come up with her seven words.
Are you a dog person or cat person? “Dogs. I’m a foster dog mom, which we’ve done for years and have a pet doxie named Piper.”
Read more from Godfrey-Lee:
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• Pilot class helps students navigate college, early careers
