Meet Kathy Hench, the New Principal at Liberty Park Elementary
We are excited to introduce Mrs. Kathy Hench as the new Principal of Liberty Park Elementary! While Mrs. Hench may be a familiar face to the Warren Township community, she is stepping into a new role this school year. With over 30 years of dedicated service, Hench is ready to bring her dedication and leadership to this new role.
A Passion for Education
Over the past 31 years, Kathy Hench has built an impressive career in Warren Township. Her journey began as a first-grade teacher and Reading Recovery instructor, followed by nine years of teaching first and second grades.
"My early training in Reading Recovery and helping students who were struggling to learn how to read led to my passion for sharing my knowledge with other teachers through Coaching and other leadership roles within Warren," she explained.
In 2003, she transitioned to a Reading Coach role, where she spent eight years providing teachers with professional development and in-classroom support. She then served as the District Data and Professional Development Coach and District Literacy Coordinator before spending the past seven years as Assistant Principal at Liberty Park.
Hench's early experience with Reading Recovery ignited her passion for teaching and led her to pursue various leadership roles within the district. She holds a Bachelor's in Elementary Education with minors in reading and computers from Purdue University, a Master's in Elementary Education from Ball State University, and a Principal Licensure from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Commitment to Warren Township
"Warren Township has always been my 'home.' It has been an honor and joy to serve our students, families, and community for the past 30 years. Warren Township's commitment to continuous improvement and investment in staff and students has led me to continue to pursue leadership opportunities within the district," Hench shared.
When the position of Principal at Liberty Park became available, Hench was excited to step into this new role and continue her service to the Liberty Park families in a new capacity.
Goals and Future Initiatives
As Principal, Hench has outlined a clear vision for the future of Liberty Park Elementary. Her primary goals are to:
Continue Liberty Park's cherished traditions.
Focus on early literacy to ensure all students can read by the third grade.
Increase the percentage of students passing IREAD and ILEARN assessments.
Enhance parent and family involvement through volunteer opportunities during the school day, after-school activities, and events.
Hench also plans to expand Liberty Park's involvement with the Indiana Literacy Cadre and deepen teachers' understanding of the Science of Reading. By working closely with teachers, she aims to help them become expert practitioners in reading and writing.
Kathy Hench's wealth of experience, dedication to educational excellence, and clear vision for the future make her the outstanding leader at the Home of the Patriots, Liberty Park Elementary School.