By Tatyana Kovaleva
The new school year brings new people on board and Palencia Elementary School (PES) is excited to introduce our Assistant Principal, Carrie Mitten. She brings more than 30 years of experience and a tremendous love for working with kids. Even during the back-to-school rush, she answered our questions so the community could get to know her better:
Q: Could you tell us about your background?
A: After beginning my career teaching second and third grade, I became a reading specialist and teacher specialist before transitioning into school administration at middle and high school levels. I later served as the Program Director for an Alternative Education Program supporting middle and high school students before being promoted to Principal of an elementary school in Stevensville, Maryland. Those three years as an elementary principal were truly the best of my career. Following the passing of my husband in 2024, I retired after 32 years in Maryland and moved to St. Augustine to be closer to family. I am blessed to have a daughter, a stepdaughter and two wonderful granddaughters.
Q: What is the most Pirate-y thing you have done?
A: It may actually be coming back to my roots! My first administrative position was at a middle school whose mascot was the Pirates, so joining the Palencia Pirates truly feels like coming home.
Q: What was your first impression of PES?
A: My first impression of Palencia Elementary was simply, “Wow, what an amazing family!” I was fortunate to visit the school before summer break and immediately noticed the joy and enthusiasm shared by both the students and staff. Seeing such a positive school community warmed my heart and made me even more excited to become part of the team and help continue its growth and success.
Q: What kind of impact would you like to have on the school?
A: As Assistant Principal, I hope to support Captain Goodrich in keeping our ship sailing strong while ensuring every student has the tools, encouragement and opportunities they need to become lifelong learners and make a positive impact on our community.
Q: What advice would you give to parents at the beginning of the school year?
A: We know that dropping kids off at school or a bus stop can be a vulnerable experience, and we appreciate you trusting your children into our hands. You can count on us to take care of them, keep them safe, educate them and support them – and you – along the way. Communicate with your teachers, be involved, and download ParentSquare if you haven’t yet. It is the district’s main communication tool, and it’s like having your school’s direct cell phone: all the messages go straight through.
We know Ms. Mitten will fit right in with the Crew, so if you see her on campus, give her a warm Pirate welcome!
