New Buffalo Elementary School Principal Adam Bowen has been named Principal of the Year by the The Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association.
A New Buffalo native, Bowen has been an administrator in the district for five years and has become known for his energetic interactions with students and efforts to build positive interactions with district stakeholders.
Adam is currently in his 17th year in education, with time spent in special education, general education, Title I Coordinator, and finally as current building principal. His nomination was supported by many administrative colleagues, teachers, parents, and local community leaders.
“Adam has created a family-like atmosphere that makes students feel secure and safe, which encourages them to take risks in their learning,” said New Buffalo Superintendent Dr. Michael Lindley. “He knows every student by name and engages with students frequently throughout the day.”
Bowen is also seen in high regard by teachers and parents.
“As the parent of an extremely anxious now fifth grader, we have struggled,” said New Buffalo parent Ashlee Croskey. “On particularly hard days, I have sent Mr. Bowen an email or text and let him know our plight. It has never failed that he has dropped whatever he was doing and met us at the school doors asking us how he can support us. He has been steadfast and calm showing an unprecedented amount of patience, problem-solving, persistence and desire to help. … And this is not just the case of the squeaky wheel getting the oil.
“Our children are constantly coming home relaying stories of interactions with Mr. Bowen during the school day. … He is a dependable, approachable, forward-thinking administrator that is impacting lives for the better every day.”
In an interview with WSBT, Bowen said he doesn’t really like the attention and that the award is a team effort between him and his staff at the school, adding the real joy was seeing the student reactions to his winning the award.
“Walking through the hallway, it was incredible,” Bowen said. “Something I’ll always remember the rest of my life.”
(Image via New Buffalo Elementary Facebook)
