Thanking BLMS Principal Kathryn Coffin

It's National Principals Month, and today we're highlighting Beaver Lake Middle School Principal Kathryn Coffin.  

Let’s learn a bit more about Principal Coffin: 

• How many years have you been working in education? 20 years! 
   
• How many years have you been working with the ISD? 17 years employed with ISD (plus 6 years as a middle school and high school student – IHS graduate/alumni). 
   
• What is one of your favorite memories from when you were in school as a student, and why?  When I was a senior at Issaquah High, my friend and I would perform the SNL Spartan Cheerleader skits for our spirit assemblies!  Academics did not always come naturally to me, so being able to contribute to my school community, by bringing students and staff together with laughter, gave me a unique sense of belonging. 
   
• If you could live in any fantasy world, what would it be? (For example, Narnia, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Middle Earth, Neverland, etc.) I would live in the Kingdom of Florin (from "Princess Bride") because I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out all of the challenges of the Fire Swamp. 
   
• Who inspires you, and why? My parents – for their commitment, love, and perseverance through 50 years of marriage. They inspire me with their servant-leadership – they help so many people in so many ways – and for raising two strong (stubborn?) girls who believe the world can be changed for good – and that they will be a part of that change.  
   
• What is one of your hobbies or something you’re a huge fan of (and briefly explain why)?  I love to play piano and sing, especially classic rock. During the pandemic in 2020, every evening at 8 p.m. our family would open the windows and doors of our home, gather around the piano and sing the Beatles song, "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," in honor of our front-line health workers. Also, I’m a huge Mariners fan (& we made the playoffs)! 
   
• What did you do for fun/to relax this summer? We enjoyed the Oregon Coast in Tillamook (and the creamery), as well as Pend Oreille River for a reunion with extended family. My kids tubed, and I surfed.  
   
• What’s your biggest hope for this school year?  Besides a Mariner’s World Series? More importantly, that we could create an environment at Beaver Lake where all students belong, are seen, and are reminded of their unique and amazing potential every day.