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If you ever exchange emails with Kingsley Elementary principal Kristin Goethals, you’ll notice her message ends with a long signature listing all of the school’s accomplishments: National Blue Ribbon School, a Michigan Department of Education “Beating the Odds School”, and a National Title 1 Distinguished School, among other things.
And that list doesn’t even cover the awards the school has been nominated for. But Principal Goethals is quick to defer credit for the elementary’s successes.
“[Those awards], they're not me. It is my staff. This staff truly cares about kids. They put kids first and want to do what's best for them,” said Principal Goethals. “It's an amazing feeling. We're not going to settle. We have a really humble staff who doesn't ever believe that it's good enough.”
Principal Goethals herself has been part of that staff that has built the elementary’s reputation as an exceptional place to learn. Born and raised in Kingsley, she joined the staff years ago and has been with the elementary since 2005. She taught first grade and kindergarten before becoming principal in 2016.
“Throughout my career, I've seen a lot of positive changes in teaching and learning. Teachers are coming out of school with a lot more training that specifically identifies student needs,” said Principal Goethals. “We’re always pushing to learn, and to do things better.”
Over the years, she’s also had the unique experience of watching her own five kids go through school. Her son, Samuel, graduated in 2023 and Max graduated in 2024. She has three kids left in the district, Colton is a junior, Henry is an eighth grader and Priya is in fifth grade.
“For me, having my family in the district…my passions have led to where their interests and passions are. So my boys play football and wrestling and rugby, and my daughter plays basketball, rugby, and softball, so I’m super involved with that,” said Principal Goethals.
“It can be a little different having your kids in the district, because I know what happens all the time. I tell my students all the time, if something happens, I’m going to find out!” she says with a laugh.
Principal Goethals says she “bleeds orange and black” for Kingsley, and her dedication to Kingsley goes far beyond her own family.
“I am a huge advocate for Kingsley kids. I just want families to know that when they send their kids to us, we don't take that lightly. We are here to support our students in whatever they need, and so we really strive to meet them where they're at.”
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You can reach out to Principal Goethals at kgoethals@kingsleyschools.org
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