August 28, 2024 - MSD of Steuben County, Angola, Indiana — Mayor Dave Martin paid a special visit to Carlin Park Elementary today, demonstrating a strong commitment to the local school district and its educational programs. Accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Matt Widenhoefer, the mayor’s visit highlighted the city's dedication to supporting and enhancing local education.
The visit began with a warm reception in the school’s main office, where Superintendent Dr. Matt Widenhoefer, Principal Val Priller, board member Becky Maggart, and Early Learning Center Director Jami Hubbard welcomed the mayor. Principal Priller led a tour of the school, offering insights into the innovative programs and daily operations of Carlin Park.
During the tour, the mayor observed a variety of classroom activities and observed teachers and students. In Mrs. Fulton’s 1st grade classroom, Mayor Martin engaged with the group of 1st -graders offering encouragement and regaling them with stories of his own time at Carlin Park when he was a child. He left by telling them learning is their most important job.
In conversation Mayor Martin, Principal Priller and Dr. Widenhoefer all agreed that teachers are the reason Carlin Park is achieving a high level of achievement.
The tour continued with a visit to the Montessori Early Learning Center, where Mayor Martin got a peek into one of the classrooms and learned the basis of Montessori learning and the need for Early Learning opportunities in our community.
Superintendent Widenhoefer expressed appreciation for the mayor’s visit and support. "We are honored to have Mayor Martin's visit to Carlin Park Elementary school today. His presence underscores the importance of education in our community and highlights the incredible work our students and teachers are doing every day. This visit is a great opportunity for our students and teachers to see firsthand the support and commitment from our city's leadership toward their education and future.”
Mayor Martin left the school with a renewed sense of commitment to local education, and looking forward to visiting the rest of the schools in our district.