Administration
Principal
Dear Fernwood Community,
I am honored to serve as the interim principal for Fernwood Elementary for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year. For the last two and a half years I have been privileged to serve as Fernwood’s Assistant Principal working closely with Principal Kate Eicher, Fernwood staff and the community. Over that time I have gained in depth experience and insight into the dynamic diversity of Fernwood, the close partnerships in support of social and emotional growth of students and the educational program centering students and their academic growth. As your interim principal, and in partnership with Fernwood staff, students and community, I am dedicated to uphold the shared values of the Fernwood community in continuing our work towards our mission to create an inclusive and collaborative learning community that is student centered with high expectations for student learning.
Fernwood truly is a special community in which we strive to honor one another and create a learning community where everyone feels valued with a sense of belonging. As this school year still holds new and exciting experiences ahead for us, I am looking forward to continuing our journey together as your interim principal.
With appreciation,
Cassie Morton
Interim Principal, Fernwood Elementary
Assistant Principal
I am thrilled to become a Fernwood Panther!
I was born and raised in Seattle, discovering my passion for working with young people as a summer camp counselor when I was a teen. After completing my undergraduate degree in philosophy, I eventually found myself running a tutoring center located in the Rainier Vista housing project in Rainier Valley, before becoming a teacher (and Head Middle School Coordinator) at St. Paul School in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. I earned a Master’s in teaching from Seattle Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, before taking on the roles of Assistant Principal for Academics at O’Dea High School, Assistant Principal at North Creek High School, and most recently Principal of Hollywood Hill Elementary. I have a deep and abiding love for international travel, having visited six continents and look forward to eventually visiting Antarctica. I also enjoy cooking, and have the good fortune to have developed a deep passion for reading early and throughout life.
The position of Assistant Principal of Fernwood Elementary is an excellent match for my skills, capabilities, and experiences, and I am excited to be returning to the community I served for three years. My North Creek students and their families have a prominent place in my life and my heart, and I am looking forward to becoming an integral part of a school community that has been so instrumental in their success. I have experienced first-hand the product of your energy, effort, and love, and it is truly remarkable. I am blessed to be a part of it, again.
I look forward to meeting you in-person soon and partnering in support of your child/children’s success.