Principal's Message

By Ashley Groeneveld, Elm Middle School Principal

Welcome Cougar Students & Families,

My name is Ashley Groeneveld, and I am so excited to enter my sixth year serving as the Principal of Elm Middle School.  I am delighted to welcome our new and returning students, families,  and staff to the 2025-26 school year.  We can’t wait to begin working with our students and parents to promote a highly collaborative learning environment that challenges our students to be the best version of themselves. 

Our theme for the year, "Welcome to the Madness”, a celebration of the energy, passion, and purpose that fuels our school community. This year, we embrace the organized chaos that comes with pushing boundaries, setting big goals, and going all in. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or through clubs and activities, we are challenging every student to rise to their full potential and chase greatness in everything they do, every single day.

Elm Middle School is a very special place; in that, it is the first time children across Elmwood Park community join together to create a united community of learners. We recognize the unique experiences each of our students bring to Elm Middle School and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to nurture a collaborative, warm environment to support our students as they transition from elementary into middle school. 

At Elm Middle School, our entire staff’s goal is to provide all of our students with a nurturing environment in which they can take risks as learners, feel both challenged and supported in their academic endeavors while building meaningful relationships with others.  Our students are at a critical stage in their lives where they are learning to understand themselves as young adults.  To support each student, It is our hope that our students become fully ingrained in our school community; we seek to have all of our students be involved in an extracurricular activity where they can expand their interests and gain new experiences.  Get ready for an action packed year of learning, fun and excitement! 

I look forward to communicating with you about all things Elm as the year unfolds in my weekly newsletters, called the Cougar Courier. You can expect these newsletters each Friday. 

The home-school partnership is incredibly important in supporting our growing learners. I look forward to partnering with you to support your child on this journey. As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or anything you’d like to discuss please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Most Sincerely,

Mrs. Ashley L. Groeneveld 

Principal