Administration
Kelly Hasson - Teacher Leader
Welcome to Peaks Island Elementary School and thank you for visiting our school website! I have the privilege of leading both Peaks and Cliff Island Elementary Schools as Teacher Leader and could not be more pleased or proud. In addition, I am the Literacy Coach and Third Grade Teacher at Peaks. The integration of my responsibilities provides an authentic lens and experiences working with our amazing children and dynamic staff to impact our students’ learning, social emotional growth and well-being.
As Teacher Leader at Peaks during the past four years, my educational odyssey truly has come full circle. I am a native of Peaks Island and my educational journey began here when I entered kindergarten in the same classroom that is now our PreKindergarten and Kindergarten classroom (much has changed!) My family lived on Peaks Island until I was 9, and I continued through Portland Public Schools, graduating from Portland High School (Go Bulldogs!)
From my earliest memories on Peaks, I wanted to pursue a path in elementary education. I earned a B.S. in child development from the University of Maine, an M.Ed in language and literacy within human development and psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a C.A.S. in educational leadership from the University of Maine. I have been fortunate to have had such a rewarding career that continues to nourish my passions. I have taught preschool (ages 3-5), as well as grades one, two, three, four, and five, and have loved every single experience working with a range of age levels and learners. My school leadership path began as an instructional coach and then as a Principal when I was hired at Peaks and Cliff Island Schools in 2005. After leaving the island schools I was a Principal at two very large elementary schools for 10 years before returning to my favorite schools in Casco Bay (and on the planet!)
I live in the Back Cove neighborhood of Portland with my husband Nick and enjoy sunrise and sunset commutes to work each day with my beloved colleagues. I love to read, walk, garden, travel, attend the theater and spend as much time as possible with our three wonderful grandchildren Lydia, Jack and Thea.
Fun Fact: Students had to walk home for lunch and then return back to school when I attended Peaks. Living on Whitehead Street made for a very long walk both ways for my dear friend Carol and me and, invariably, we were late — a lot. Calls to our mothers from concerned islanders were a regular occurrence as they expressed, “The girls are going to be late again — they’re smelling all the flowers and patting all the dogs . . .” Growing up on Peaks provided such an idyllic and adventurous start for me that remains an indelible part of who I am. I am so grateful to be part of my original school community that continues to thrive and provide our students with the best educational experiences possible within an incredibly supportive island setting. I am steadfast proof that you really can come home.