Message From the Principal

Dear Farwell Families,

It is my privilege to welcome you to Farwell Elementary—a school where relationships are the heartbeat of all we do and where our shared values of Safety, Ownership, Achievement, and Respect (SOAR) guide every decision, every day.

Farwell is a place where you can’t walk through the doors without being greeted, where every student is known by name, and where a good handshake is more than a gesture—it’s a way of saying, “I see you.” Our goal is that every child has multiple champions here: adults who challenge, encourage, and refuse to let them give up.

I have a deep personal connection to this school—I once walked these same halls as a student. Back then, I wasn’t a naturally strong learner, and I doubted my ability to succeed. Three remarkable teachers changed that by believing in me before I believed in myself. Their faith in me shaped the person and the leader I am today. Now, I have the honor of working alongside an incredible team to ensure every student here experiences that same belief and encouragement.

At Farwell, we blend a warm, inclusive culture with high expectations for every learner. Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) ensures all students receive the right academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to help them grow. Our daily WIN (What I Need) time provides targeted instruction for every student, whether they need intervention or enrichment. We are also proud to host the district’s Full-Time Gifted Program, offering rigorous and engaging opportunities for highly capable learners while ensuring they feel a strong sense of belonging.

Our student-led ASB program empowers students to lead, give back, and shape the school experience for their peers. From fundraising for playground equipment to teaching schoolwide expectations, our student leaders model what it means to SOAR.

We also believe that a great school is built in partnership with families and the community. Farwell’s events—skate nights, Books & Bingo, Veterans Day assemblies—are more than traditions; they are opportunities to connect, celebrate, and strengthen our sense of community. You’ll see our SOAR values in the way we greet families, celebrate student success, and work together to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and challenged.

Whether you are new to Farwell or have been part of our community for years, I invite you to be an active part of our journey. Visit our classrooms, join us at events, and help us continue building a school where every student can truly soar.

Come SOAR with us!

Sincerely,
Josh Van Cleef
Principal, Farwell Elementary