ANDREA SABADOSH
Hello!
I am excited and humbled to be the Principal of Mandalay Middle School. I spent the first 16 years of my career serving this community, as a science teacher and IB coordinator at Standley Lake High School. For me, working alongside this community feels like I am home.
I am a mother of two boys who are amazing young men and am lucky enough to have been married to my husband for 26 years, so far! They are the roots that keep me grounded and I enter each day serving other people's children knowing that I will have the same expectations, compassion, boundaries and hope as I would for my own children.
My core values as an educational leader are rooted in hard work and a belief that relationships built with understanding, mutual respect, empathy, and humility are the critical foundation for building a school culture that is student-focused. I firmly believe that all students deserve access to challenging, innovative learning opportunities regardless of their academic background and foundation. We must meet our students where they are when they come to us, helping them to grow not only academically but socially. This work requires, humor, consistency, kindness, clear expectations and communication.
Middle school, with its blend of challenges and excitement, creates a unique and magical time in a young person’s life, laying the foundation for the future. Being a part of this critical time in my students and their families lives is such an honor.
I believe that middle school is a magical time for several reasons:
Self-Discovery: Middle school is a period of intense self-discovery. Students begin to understand who they are, what they like, and what they are good at. This period is marked by exploring new interests, hobbies, and activities.
Independence: For many students, middle school is the first time they experience a significant level of independence. They start making more decisions for themselves and learning to manage their time and responsibilities.
Friendships: Friendships formed during middle school can be deeply impactful. This is a time when students often find their "tribe" – a group of friends who share similar interests and support each other through the ups and downs of adolescence.
Social Skills: Middle school is a time of developing social skills. Students learn how to navigate different social situations, build relationships, and understand social dynamics.
Broad Learning: The curriculum in middle school often includes a wide range of subjects, from science and math to art and physical education. This variety helps students discover what subjects they are passionate about.
Critical Thinking: Middle school education focuses more on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to think deeply and ask questions, fostering a love for learning.
Accomplishments: Whether it’s mastering a difficult subject, winning a sports game, performing in a play, or participating in a science fair, middle school offers many opportunities for personal achievements. These accomplishments build confidence and a sense of capability.
From Childhood to Adolescence: Middle school is a unique transition period from childhood to adolescence. It’s a time of significant physical, emotional, and intellectual growth, making it a period of transformation and potential.
Memorable Experiences: The mix of fun activities, school events, and new experiences create lasting memories. School dances, field trips, and other extracurricular activities add to the richness of this time.
Emotional Development: Students start to better understand and manage their emotions. They learn resilience, empathy, and how to handle more complex feelings and situations.
I look forward to working in partnership with you to navigate this exciting time of growth and development. It is my privilege to serve the Mandalay community! Go Wolverines!
Andrea Sabadosh
CARRIE OTT
Hello!
This is my 27th year in Jeffco, all of which have been spent serving in this community. Mandalay is where I spent the first six years of my career as a math educator and is where I first learned to collaborate in teams, build family-school partnerships to support student success, and build strong relationships within the community where I work and live. I then spent 18 years at Standley Lake High School in the roles of math educator, Head Softball Coach, Instructional Coach, and Dean. Coming back to Mandalay to serve as Assistant Principal has been an honor and privilege.
I have been married to my amazing husband for 28 years and we have two grown boys, both of whom completed their K-12 education in the Standley Lake articulation area attending Betty Adams and Ryan Elementaries, Mandalay Middle School and Standley Lake High School. I love serving this community and felt it was a place where my children flourished and grew into amazing young adults. As a mom and an educator, I understand the importance of these crucial middle school developmental years in a student’s educational journey. I am committed to making sure your student has the opportunity to learn and grow at Mandalay, as my children did, so they are prepared for high school.
I am a firm believer that a safe and welcoming environment is critical to creating a culture of inclusion and community and essential for maximizing each student’s
potential. Throughout my career, I have worked with all types of learners. I am passionate about supporting learning differences and making sure all students have the opportunity and support required to learn and achieve at high levels. I also believe it is our job to help students develop into caring, compassionate, and empathetic human beings. I am energized and challenged by this work and committed to making sure your student feels safe, develops a deep sense of belonging, and is given the support needed to experience success in these tricky middle school years. I look forward to working with you and your student during their time as a Mandalay Wolverine!
I am honored and grateful to serve in this leadership position and look forward to learning alongside you.
Carrie Ott