Meet the Principal

MS. DANENE NEFF - WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

I have spent my career teaching and leading at elementary schools. I taught K, 2^nd, 4^th and 5^th grades before becoming the Washington Elementary Principal. I also had an opportunity to teach in Taiwan. My education came from IPFW where I received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree.

As Principal, I find it rewarding having the ability to not only help our students, but also the adults at Washington Elementary. I love having the opportunity to change the trajectory of a child’s future.

Washington Elementary is unique because we are the smallest elementary school in the District.  We have a very positive culture at Washington and we consider ourselves family. The students and the adults are very invested in each other.

Our biggest goal is to continue to work on increasing our student’s reading and math scores. We are also working to create students who will be positive contributors to their community.

We work hard here to appreciate differences and not to judge.  We like to highlight, instead of downplay, each person’s uniqueness.

On a personal note, I love to try different variations and recipes of smoking meats. I also hope to one day to have my own food truck.

I grew up a Michigan Wolverine and was very excited when I was given the opportunity to become a Washington Elementary Wolverine!