Principal's Page

Melissa

Welcome to Carlson Elementary School!

My name is Melissa Pluszczynski and I am so grateful to be the principal of Carlson Elementary School. This is my 23rd year in VDPS and I look forward to working closely with students, families and staff this year! I have worked with students from Pre-K to 12 and have been in all elementary buildings! I am an Oakland University Graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master's Degree in Special Education, and my Education Specialist in Leadership. I taught special education, was an academic coach, an elementary principal, and the director of the Kennedy Early Childhood Center. Van Dyke is my family!

I have been married to my husband Brad for 21 years. My son Brendan is 15 and will be a sophomore at Lakeview High School. We have 2 French Bulldog puppies we love, Chandler and Beau!

The 2023-2024 school year is going to be wonderful! I look forward to another fantastic year!

VISION STATEMENT
A Carlson Knight Does What's Right!  
This vision statement encompasses all Carlson Stakeholder, including students, staff, families, and community.  
We envision Carlson Elementary as a learning community consisting of students, parents, professional staff and interested community members.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school that addresses the educational needs of all students. Those needs will be determined on an ongoing basis through assessment.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school where our students progress academically, socially, and behaviorally.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school where our student test scores will continue to show improvement.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school that incorporates collaborative groups and the innovative use of resources and materials.            
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school with an established program that utilizes parents and community volunteers during and after school.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school in which leadership fosters participation and decision making from all members of the learning community.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a school that continues to build positive working relationships within our community.
We envision Carlson Elementary as a success-oriented school, where all students feel accepted and safe.

CARLSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VALUES

  • 1.  Communicate and collaborate to guarantee each student is receiving the help they need.

  • 2.  Be positive in our belief that every child can be successful.

  • 3.  Value students as individuals and work together as a team for the achievement of all.

  • 4.  Hold high expectations for each student.

  • 5.  Be active in the Carlson community, and work toward common goals to help ensure student success.