August 11, 2022

Dear Lyseth Community:

I could not be more excited to be joining your community as your new principal.

I am a proud Mainer, mother of two energetic and wonderful kiddos (Dave, almost five, who will be at Lyseth next year, and Sage who just turned two), and the wife of a fellow educator and PPS staff member, Gavin Goodall.  Prior to our family’s move back to Portland in 2021, I was the leader of a bilingual Pre-K-8th school in Colorado, and more recently, I have had the opportunity to work with Lyseth teachers as a literacy consultant for PPS. I have also been privileged to meet some of the Lyseth families, students, and staff who have shared ideas, hopes, and dreams for their school with me.

I know from these personal and professional experiences that the past three years have been challenging for educators and families.  And - I am incredibly hopeful and excited for what I think this coming year at Lyseth can be for educators and for families.

Joining me as our assistant principal for 22-23 is Talya Edlund. Talya brings experience from teaching in Brooklyn, New York, Cape Elizabeth, and Portland. Most recently she has been the Math Coach here at Lyseth.  In 2016, Talya was named Maine’s Teacher of the Year.  In addition to her teaching experience, Talya has served on Educate Maine’s Board of Directors and is a trustee with the Portland Symphony Orchestra.  Talya speaks Spanish and Ukrainian and lives in Cape Elizabeth with her husband, two children, and a giant sheepdog. She is an avid runner, reader and fan of public schools!  

Talya and I share a commitment to open and consistent communication, true partnership with community, and the idea that school should be a joyful, happy place where all kids and families feel safe, valued, and cared for - as well as where they leave academically ready for the next grade.

Our website will be changing and have a new platform on August 29th, but until then, important dates are listed below as well as ways to contact the school.  Enjoy the rest of your summer and we cannot wait to welcome back students on September 7th (PreK and Kinder on September 9th!)

Warmly,

Sara and Talya

Important Dates:

• Tuesday, August 16th at 9:00-10:00am Meet the Admin Team Coffee Chat at Lyseth

• Friday, August 19th at 9:00-10:00am Meet the Admin Team Coffee Chat at Lyseth

• Thursday, September 3rd: 

  • 3:00-3:30 Open House in your Classroom

  • 3:30-4:00 Popsicles with the Principal outside on the blacktop

• Tuesday, September 6th: First Day of School for 1st-5th grade

• Thursday, September 8th: First Day of School for PreK & Kindergarten