This school year marked a bold new chapter at Orchard View Early Elementary. For the first time in the history of Orchard View Schools, we placed two brand new administrators—both new to the district and new to building leadership—at the helm of one of our most critical and foundational schools.
The results have been nothing short of transformational.
Principal Megan Johnson and Assistant Principal Lisa Brown entered their roles with passion, vision and a deep understanding of what young learners need to thrive. From day one, they embraced the challenges and opportunities of early elementary leadership with a clear focus on student success, staff support and community connection.
Megan and Lisa brought a unified approach built on trust, consistency and high expectations. Together, they’ve worked to improve building culture, elevate instructional practices and implement structures that support every learner. Their commitment to fostering a warm, welcoming, and purposeful environment has had a visible impact on both student behavior and staff morale.
They’ve created two hands-on learning projects to give their students more real-world, project-based experiences.
The “Outdoor Learning Center & Garden Project” allows students, staff, and families to collaborate with local greenhouses and 4H to cultivate gardens. The goal is to foster responsibility, problem-solving, and environmental awareness.
The early elementary is also building a chicken coop with help from the students at the Innovative Learning Center, the district’s school for adult and alternative learners. The elementary school students will participate in chick-hatching to learn about the life cycle of birds, including the incubation and hatching process while strengthening their science and literacy skills.
Principals strike balance of stability and innovation
These leaders also recognized the importance of listening. They’ve spent countless hours connecting with teachers, support staff, parents and students to better understand the needs of the building. They’ve brought in fresh ideas while honoring the work already underway—and that balance has led to both stability and innovation.
Under their leadership, the early elementary team has begun laying a stronger foundation for academic growth, early intervention and a sense of belonging for all students in the preK-1 building. Staff are reporting renewed excitement for their work, and families are noticing the positive shift in communication and support.
This isn’t just a story of two first-year administrators doing well—it’s a story of leadership that is actively turning around a building and creating a brighter future for Orchard View Schools as a whole.
We’re proud of the work Principal Johnson and Assistant Principal Brown are doing, and even more excited about where they will lead us next. The foundation they are building here in Michigan will strengthen our district for years to come—and we are incredibly fortunate to have them as part of the Orchard View family.
