At Clearview Elementary, the start of the school year this week looked very different from its start last year. One of those changes includes welcoming Principal Meredith Boucher, who was hired this summer to take over the reins after Principal Sheri Rutar retired in the spring.

Boucher has over 20 years of experience in education. After graduating from Sartell High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Certification from Bemidji State University. She next attended Saint Mary’s University, where she earned her principal’s license and a master’s degree in Teaching and Instruction.

She began her educational career in 1999 when she was hired by St. Cloud District 742, teaching math at North Junior High School and what was then the St. Cloud Children’s Home. She moved on to become an academic coach at North and Talahi Community School, and then spent three years as the assistant principal at Madison Elementary School before coming to Clearview this fall.

“I’m thrilled to be at Clearview,” said Boucher. “I’m really excited to lead a phenomenal staff. They make me proud to be able to come to come to work each day.”

Her goals this year include welcoming the students back and keeping them in the building for as long as possible, as well as meeting their educational needs along with their social and emotional needs.

“The kids have been away from us for the last six months,” she said. “They need it. Keeping them here, healthy and learning, comes with a whole new set of routines and procedures.”

On Tuesday students started returning to Clearview, where they and their families each spent 45 minutes with their teacher so they could get to know one another and discuss their goals for the new year.

“It’s been amazing,” said Boucher. “You can see the kids’ smiles even under their masks. They’re excited to be back and the teachers are thrilled to have them back.”

She described how one little boy came running up to her and wanted to give her a ‘high five’; instead they gave each other ‘low fives’, using their feet instead of their hands.

“We may have to physically distance ourselves, but we can still socially and emotionally connect,” she said. “There are going to be a lot of low fives this year.”

Another challenge faced was to make school feel as much like school as possible, even with masks and the social distancing requirements.

“Walking around the school the other day I realized our classrooms look joyful,” said Boucher. “Our teachers made it feel fun and warm and welcoming; you don’t actually notice the distance.

For example, one of them put Pac Man ghosts between the squares marked off for students to sit in. All their hard work has paid off.”

Boucher’s educational philosophy revolves around the students, putting them at the center of everything Clearview does all day long.

“Every single decision I make puts students first,” she said.