McMahon's new principal: Amber Eliason

Amber Eliason is the new principal of McMahon Elementary School. She recommends parents get to know their children’s teachers and form partnerships.

LEWISTON — The new principal at McMahon Elementary School is Amber Eliason, who is starting in the administrative role for the first time.

“To have someone like Amber Eliason with her Montello Elementary School experience (as assistant principal) is resulting in a stronger school community partnership,” Superintendent Bill Webster said.

As principal, her goal is to build on what former Principal Tom Hood has achieved in creating a positive learning climate and culture, to encourage parents and teachers to work together. She wants McMahon to be a school that offer parents and students a positive and warm welcome.

“Historically, McMahon’s been that way,” she said.

Last year, Eliason was assistant principal at Montello Elementary School, a job she enjoyed.

“I wanted to stay,” she said. “Montello has a great team.”

But she said she couldn’t turn down the opportunity to lead McMahon, a school of about 650 students.

“I knew I could have the biggest impact on kids by supporting teachers,” Eliason said.

McMahon has undergone changes, a recent addition has significantly increased the size of the school.

Hood, who wants to go back to the classrooms working directly with students, will be McMahon’s new response to intervention teacher, a position that will help students with social and emotional learning, “which is critical to our ability to support students,” Eliason said.

Eliason, 37, is from Dover-Foxcroft. After graduating from Keene State College, her first teaching position was in Bellows Falls, Vt. After that, she taught for years in Florida.

In 2013, she moved back to Maine and worked for the Auburn School Department, teaching first grade at Washburn School and math instruction coach at Sherwood Heights School.

In 2015, she became assistant principal at Montello.

Eliason’s tip for parents: To ensure students enjoy success in school “talk to your child’s teacher” and build a relationship. Ask the teacher how parents can best support their child at home. Parents are important to teachers.

“Parents know their children best,” Eliason said. “They are their child’s first teacher.”

Lighter side

Favorite movie: “Back to the Future.” “I’m a child of the ’80s,” she said.

Favorite food: Pizza. “I love pizza days,” typically held on Fridays, a day she doesn’t pack a lunch, she said.

McMahon’s open house: For grades 1-6 it was Aug. 28; pre-K and kindergarten will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 31.

Follow the school on Twitter: Twitter@McMahonTigers

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