November 20th, 2020

Hello and Happy Friday AR Kaufman Community!

I am happy to announce a couple of changes, that will happen here at ARK as of November 30.

I am so proud to share that our own Heidi Mannhardt-Zender will be moving on to the role of Principal at Smithson Public School. Mrs. Mannhardt-Zender has made such a positive impact here at AR Kaufman, and we will miss her smiling face, positive attitude, and consistent and caring support of students and staff. Congratulations Mrs. Mannhardt-Zender!

I am thrilled to welcome Mrs. Sheri Ilo to AR Kaufman, in the role Vice Principal. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Ilo, November 30, to AR Kaufman.

Below is a letter of Introduction:

Greetings AR Kaufman Parents and Community,

It is my pleasure to serve you as vice principal this year! My name is Sheri Ilo, and this is my sixth year in educational leadership. Prior to becoming vice principal at AR Kaufman, I had many experiences including education consultant, administrator district mentor/coach, lead assistant principal, English department chair, senior English instructor, ESL instructor, co-teach and substitute teacher. Even with all my past experiences, I will always be a teacher at heart, I taught for over six years in the classroom setting. Most of my experience is from my hometown of Houston, Texas. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from University of Houston, Teacher Certification from University of St. Thomas and a Master’s of Educational Leadership from Lamar University. I strongly believe that learning is a part of life and I intend to continue modeling and pursuing lifelong learning intending to be an example to students and teachers. I am blessed to be the mother of two awesome boys, Suraj 14 and Sattar 12. They are the answer to my why. I have the very same high expectations for them as I do for all students in my care. My personal vision of leadership is to create an atmosphere that cultivates a community of leaders. I have a strong desire to develop a school culture where everyone feels supported and respected as we collectively work towards helping students reach their highest potential. As a school administrator for the past 6 years, I relied heavily on who I am; authentic, consistent, caring and steadfast in discipline—my life’s purpose; to be the educator who I needed as a student, led by my integrity to guide my decision making and my actions. I am blessed that my career and my calling are one in the same. I believe as educators; we are the gatekeepers of truth. As truth tellers, we hold the keys to unlocking true change for all people in our world starting one student at a time. This is why it is my privilege to serve as vice principal at AR Kaufman and the many talented teachers and students here!

Kindest regards,

Sheri Ilo, Vice Principal, AR Kaufman