Principal

Welcome to North Dover Elementary School!

My name is Heather Carlton and I am honored to be principal of this beautiful school. Our theme for the year is “Unlock Your Potential: Learning is Key.” 

By focusing on this theme, we are encouraging our students to recognize and to develop their unique abilities and talents. It emphasizes that everyone has untapped potential waiting to be discovered and promotes a growth mindset where students believe in their ability to improve and to succeed building tenacity and grit. 

Our partnership in your child’s education is  key to supporting children as they grow as they work toward meeting personal and academic goals. We want to highlight that education is the foundation for unlocking potential and achieving future success. Together, we need to reinforce the idea that learning doesn’t stop at school; it's a continuous journey throughout life. Our efforts  will be to inspire our students to be curious, to ask questions, and to explore new ideas and subjects.

We have so many exciting curricular programs in place to support this growth. We have dual language learning in kindergarten through third grade, Reader’s & Writer’s Workshop, iReady Math, Mystery Science, and more! Our goal is to support a busy, interactive, and engaging learning environment. Please ask your children each day what they have learned. When children think about thinking, they deepen their understanding and help reinforce the learning that has taken place.

As you each get to know me more, I believe that you will find that I am passionate about education and my time with Dover Public Schools. I have worked in the district since 1994 beginning as an English teacher at the middle school. After working in guidance for a short time, I moved on to work as Director of Instructional Technology for six years before taking the position of Vice Principal at Dover Middle School in 2011. I joined North Dover in 2021 after a brief time as Vice Principal of Academy Street. As a life-long learner, I am continuing my education to earn my Doctorate from Centenary University, but I learn every day from the amazing staff surrounding me and am excited to join this team of educators working to grow together.

Along with the staff and parents, I aim to continue the legacy of North Dover by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff, and community partners. Together we will focus on data-informed instruction, a growth mindset & mindfulness, emphasizing social and emotional learning, as we promote acceptance of others and  an overall inclusive environment.

Please know that my goal is also to be visible and accessible to both you and your children. My door is open and I welcome your input. Feel free to contact me should you have a question or concern. I urge you to join our flourishing PTA and attend school events. Together we will make this an outstanding year!

Sincerely,

Heather D. Carlton