Principal's Message

Andrea Barksdale
Principal of Turner Elementary School
Welcome to a new school year at Delia M. Turner Elementary School! We are excited to partner with you in laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. As the foundation of education, we are committed to nurturing the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally through engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences.
In our Pre-K program, we are committed to creating a nurturing, play-based environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and social development. Our classrooms are designed to support hands-on exploration through a balance of individual, small group, and whole-group activities. Children will gain confidence as they learn school routines, develop independence, and build positive relationships with peers and adults.
In Kindergarten, we place a strong emphasis on foundational academic skills, including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Through interactive lessons and meaningful experiences, we aim to spark discovery while supporting students’ academic and personal growth.
Throughout the school year, we will continue to prioritize student growth and the development of essential skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience. Social-emotional learning is woven into our daily routines, helping students strengthen their ability to self-regulate, build empathy, and develop positive relationships.
We deeply value the partnership between home and school and believe it is essential to our students’ success. We will continue to create opportunities for families to engage with their child’s learning, both in the classroom and at home. Together, we can ensure that each child reaches their highest potential.
As your principal, my goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment where every child feels supported, inspired, and empowered. I look forward to collaborating with you to make this school year a joyful and enriching experience for your child.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. I am eager to get to know each of you and look forward to an incredible year of growth and achievement at Delia M. Turner Elementary School.
Educationally yours,
Andrea J. Barksdale-Principal
708-388-7205