Principals Message
Dear Shepherdstown Community,
I am thrilled to be writing this letter as the newly appointed Principal of Shepherdstown Elementary, beginning July 1. As the summer months are upon us, I know your children are anxiously awaiting summer break and all the fun that will make up their days. I, too, am looking forward to the transition and preparing to meet you, your children, and becoming part of the Shepherdstown community. My name is Dave Echelmeier; more commonly known as “Mr. E” to students and families! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you, and again express my excitement and anticipation of beginning a new school year at Shepherdstown.
I was born and raised just outside Philadelphia where I attended Holy Ghost Preparatory School for high school. It was there that my passion for education was sparked, and upon graduation I pursued an undergraduate degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Susquehanna University. I discovered that early elementary is where my passion truly lies, and I spent the first nine years of my teaching career with Cumberland Valley School District, where I taught second and third grades, followed by technology. During that time, I earned two master’s degrees in Instructional Technology and Instructional Media from Wilkes University, and then my K-12 Principal Certification from Shippensburg University. From there I joined the Northern York County School District as an Elementary Principal, and I have spent six years there in that role. All those assignments have prepared me well as I begin year sixteen in education, as your new Principal.
Just like you, I am a parent of young elementary students. Next year, our daughter will be in fourth grade and our son will be in first grade. I share this with you because I want you to know that I truly understand the importance of having a collaborative approach to education. I am here for you and your students. Every student is special and has the ability to learn and grow. I promise to work alongside the amazing staff at Shepherdstown to make sure that your children are supported, nurtured, and have lots of fun along the way!
I look forward to meeting you and your families as we begin this new journey together. Family is very important to me, and I consider my role as a father the most important title I’ll ever have. My wife and I reside in Boiling Springs with our two children and our very mischievous and lovable Cairn Terrier, Banx. In my free time, I love to cook, read, and travel. Our family loves the Outer Banks, and I have a personal goal of seeing all 50 states in our country.
I would like to take a moment to thank Mrs. Krista Archibald for being an amazing leader to the staff and students at Shepherdstown. Mrs. Archibald has warmly welcomed me to this community, and I am truly thankful for her support during this transition.
Again, please know that I look forward to meeting you and your children. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach to me at [email protected]. It’s going to be a wonderful 2023-2024 year at Shepherdstown!
Respectfully yours,
Dave Echelmeier
I am thrilled to be writing this letter as the newly appointed Principal of Shepherdstown Elementary, beginning July 1. As the summer months are upon us, I know your children are anxiously awaiting summer break and all the fun that will make up their days. I, too, am looking forward to the transition and preparing to meet you, your children, and becoming part of the Shepherdstown community. My name is Dave Echelmeier; more commonly known as “Mr. E” to students and families! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you, and again express my excitement and anticipation of beginning a new school year at Shepherdstown.
I was born and raised just outside Philadelphia where I attended Holy Ghost Preparatory School for high school. It was there that my passion for education was sparked, and upon graduation I pursued an undergraduate degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Susquehanna University. I discovered that early elementary is where my passion truly lies, and I spent the first nine years of my teaching career with Cumberland Valley School District, where I taught second and third grades, followed by technology. During that time, I earned two master’s degrees in Instructional Technology and Instructional Media from Wilkes University, and then my K-12 Principal Certification from Shippensburg University. From there I joined the Northern York County School District as an Elementary Principal, and I have spent six years there in that role. All those assignments have prepared me well as I begin year sixteen in education, as your new Principal.
Just like you, I am a parent of young elementary students. Next year, our daughter will be in fourth grade and our son will be in first grade. I share this with you because I want you to know that I truly understand the importance of having a collaborative approach to education. I am here for you and your students. Every student is special and has the ability to learn and grow. I promise to work alongside the amazing staff at Shepherdstown to make sure that your children are supported, nurtured, and have lots of fun along the way!
I look forward to meeting you and your families as we begin this new journey together. Family is very important to me, and I consider my role as a father the most important title I’ll ever have. My wife and I reside in Boiling Springs with our two children and our very mischievous and lovable Cairn Terrier, Banx. In my free time, I love to cook, read, and travel. Our family loves the Outer Banks, and I have a personal goal of seeing all 50 states in our country.
I would like to take a moment to thank Mrs. Krista Archibald for being an amazing leader to the staff and students at Shepherdstown. Mrs. Archibald has warmly welcomed me to this community, and I am truly thankful for her support during this transition.
Again, please know that I look forward to meeting you and your children. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach to me at [email protected]. It’s going to be a wonderful 2023-2024 year at Shepherdstown!
Respectfully yours,
Dave Echelmeier