For New Palestine Elementary School Principal Kayleigh Fosnow, building a love of learning extends from her two young sons, both students at the school, to her students and staff. It is not unusual to find Principal Fosnow in costume to celebrate a school achievement, and she often creates music videos to motivate young learners before statewide testing. Fosnow also installed a book machine to inspire students to read; all students receive a free book on their birthday.
Fosnow, who taught special education, second and third grade before advancing to school administration, is a natural teacher leader who infuses excellence into everything she does at NPES. Her data-driven instruction led her to launch “SOAR to Excellence,” a program designed to improve schoolwide student performance in ELA and math. Teachers join Fosnow weekly to review data, identify strengths and discuss interventions for improvement. The results speak for themselves: After the first year of SOAR, students in grades 3 and 4 saw an 8-9% increase in math and reading proficiency. Last year, NPES students achieved a pass rate of 95% or higher on the IREAD assessment. Today New Palestine Elementary serves as a demonstration site for principals and district administrators, and Fosnow regularly mentors other school leaders in the community.
Fosnow’s enthusiasm for education does not stop at New Palestine’s classrooms. She is involved in school activities from Math Bowl to Student Council, and has hosted a daddy-daughter dance, a mother-son baseball outing, a school carnival, and a fall mums fundraiser to engage families. One year, the fall fundraiser was so successful, Fosnow purchased a slide for the media center.
An Indiana State University graduate, Fosnow earned a bachelor’s in elementary and special education in 2008 and a master’s in elementary education in 2012.
Press Release: New Palestine Principal Kayleigh Fosnow Surprised with Milken Educator Award and $25,000 Cash Prize
