Principal's Welcome

Dear Families, 

Commerce is an exemplary school that ranks in the top five percent of schools in Michigan.  We are proud of our “Reward” status designated by the State of Michigan and our distinction as a Michigan Blue Ribbon School.  With a history of academic excellence, we are continuously seeking to improve as a school community.  We maintain a focus on our school improvement goals, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop action plans to address areas of improvement.  One of our core values as a district and school is the need to continuously grow, innovate, and improve in order to provide an excellent learning environment for every child, every day.  

Over the last six years, our school has embarked on a journey to create a culture of thinking where critical-thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and depth of understanding are emphasized.  With the support of Central Office and our PTA, we have attended seminars with Ron Ritchhart of Harvard's Project Zero.  Our learning around cultures of thinking has transformed teaching and learning in profound ways.  It has helped us develop learners who are critical-thinkers, problem-solvers, adaptable, curious, innovative, and collaborative - all essential dispositions in our global society. 

We believe in not only educating the mind, but also educating the heart.  A school-wide focus on character education makes Commerce a very special place for children to learn and grow.  We model and emphasize the importance of kindness, respect, and leadership throughout our school, homes, and community.  We believe that we must provide opportunities for children to develop empathy and leadership dispositions in order to create a kinder, more inclusive world.  

We are extremely thankful for our wonderful parent community who value education and volunteer countless hours in our school.  Our teachers care deeply about our children and are continuously searching for a better way to meet each child's needs.  Our Commerce Staff is committed to creating a nurturing, yet rigorous learning environment for our children.     

If you have any questions about our school, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I can be reached by phone (248-956-3932) or e-mail (christinacarlin@wlcsd.org).  With genuine, open collaboration, Commerce Elementary will continue to provide the highest quality education to our children.

Sincerely,
Christina Carlin
Proud Principal