New kid on the block at Camden Elementary
By Debbie Lowe

New Camden principal Camden Elementary Principal Carol Coon is seen last week with Superintendent Ralph Walker during a tour of the school. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

The new principal at Camden Elementary began her duties Monday with a morning assembly to meet students and staff.

Carol Coon, who first visited the school on the afternoon of Nov. 8, said she was excited for the opportunity with the Delphi Community School Corporation.

"I'm looking forward to coming to the community," Coon said. "I've heard a lot of good things about Camden Elementary and I am excited for the opportunity of working with Superintendent (Ralph) Walker again."

Coon left a job with the Lebanon School Corporation as principal of Harney Elementary to become Camden's principal. Delphi's new superintendent, Ralph Walker, was Coon's superintendent at Lebanon.

"Superintendent Walker has a vision for the whole community, not just the school," she said.

She explained her previous school corporation ranked 229th academically in the state, determined by ISTEP scores. Within four years, the school's standing rose to 71st in the state.

Coon attributed the rise to the comprehensive literacy program Walker introduced while superintendent in that school corporation.

Coon said the DCSC currently ranks 188th academically.

"I want to be part of the improvements that are sure to come," she said.

Coon said as principal she will have an open door for parents, grandparents, caregivers and community members.

"You can never have too much parent involvement," she explained. "Parents will be encouraged to be guest readers in the classroom."

In an effort to increase students' writing skills, Coon plans to have a mailbox in the office for her dog, Chloe. Chloe will receive and answer letters from students and might be physically present in the building once or twice each week for students to meet.

To get to know community members, Coon plans to host a casual morning open house she calls "Donuts with the Principal" before Christmas break.

She said she will have a topic to discuss with visitors. Guests will be encouraged to ask questions and give suggestions about the topic or anything they consider important.

Coon's philosophy is students should know why they go to school. She also believes students must take responsibility for their grades and their actions. To

promote the philosophy, Coon said she would like to initiate a program for students to track their progress on graphs for visual impact.

Coon said she will be hosting team-building activities with teachers "to find out what goes on at Camden."

"I feel like Mrs. Coon is one of the top principals in the state," Walker said. "We are blessed to have her."

"I believe this is a servantleadership position," Coon said. "I am here to help students and teachers."

Coon and her husband reside in Montgomery County. They plan to relocate closer to Carroll County.

In a Comet telephone interview Tuesday, Coon expressed excitement after spending her first day at Camden.

"It was just fantastic," she said. "I felt very welcomed. The teachers gave me a luncheon and many students wrote me welcoming letters."

"I feel like I belong here already," she concluded.