Pioneer School District is in the process of an administrative restructuring, and that includes new leadership for Arcade Elementary School.
Due to a certification issue, Mellisa Devitt has been shifted from elementary principal to Academic Services principal, based at Pioneer Middle School. Ms. Slocum, a middle school assistant principal, was appointed acting Arcade principal through the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Mrs. Slocum introduced herself in the following letter to parents:
"Many of you already know me, but now that I have been appointed by the Board of Education to serve for an extended time, I wanted to introduce myself more formally to everyone. I am Acting Principal Kerry Slocum, a Pioneer graduate, Arcade resident, and mother of two Pioneer Middle School students. I’ve been an educator for 26 years, teaching high school ELA in the Rochester area for five years before taking the opportunity to return to Pioneer as a high school teacher in 2002. I’ve worked as a high school English Language Arts teacher, Genesee Community College instructor, Dean of Students, High School Assistant Principal, Middle School Assistant Principal, and now I’m happy to join the team at Arcade Elementary.
"I am truly a lifelong learner. In just the last few years, I’ve learned a lot about camping, lawn and pool care, school safety, small engines, yoga, scuba diving, and now elementary 'principal-ing'! (I have a LOT to learn about puppy training, I’m finding out!) I embrace challenges, I love teaching and learning, and I’m willing to learn from anyone who can show me something new, including our amazing students. One of the greatest joys in my career (and in the career of every educator) is seeing 'my kids' grow into incredible adults, and I experience this every day at drop-off, pick-up, and school events when I see how many of my former students are now parents in the district.
"I’m working hard to learn the ins and outs as quickly as possible, and I deeply appreciate the patience and help of our wonderful staff, students, and families. I’ll do all I can to support, to listen, and to provide a safe learning environment for all our students every day. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions and ideas; I thank you for all you are doing to ensure our students are here and prepared to learn each day.
"Finally, I think my life motto can best be summed up by Ella’s mom in Cinderella: 'Have courage, and be kind.' It’s simple, but elementary school is exactly the place for that, isn’t it? I believe that those two qualities are foundational to everything we hope to achieve, and I strive for them every day.
"Thank you for believing in me—and more importantly—in all of our kids."