Greenwood Family, 

Magic happens here at Greenwood Elementary School.  We have a “mosh pit culture” where we are always hugging, cheering, chanting, laughing, and huddling together. Students and teachers lean in, eye sparking, and hands held high. Our hallways and classrooms are full of love, smiles, purpose, significance, and success. We infuse passion, data, relationships, and innovation into our school climate and culture. Voices are heard, respect is earned, and our courage and grit turn innovative ideas into reality. We are givers, leaders, dreamers, uplifters, and warriors that use our 5 core values to build a sense of belonging for all stakeholders. Greenwood is one of the highest achieving schools in the state of Virginia as indicated by the 2020 Board of Education Highest Achievement Award; however, we are so much more than our scores. We seek to create moments and memories that touch our hearts and souls.

We are thrilled to introduce our new school theme, "5 houses, 1 family," as it embodies our unwavering dedication to unity and collaboration. At Greenwood, we aren't just a group of individuals; we are a close-knit family, supporting and uplifting one another on our educational journey.  In the spirit of fostering belonging, our new school song, "Home," celebrates the warmth and welcome that defines our school. We want every student to feel a strong sense of belonging, knowing they are safe, valued, and have a voice and choice in their education. 

At Greenwood, our teachers are the heart of our success, creating learner-centered classrooms that celebrate each student's uniqueness and individual strengths. Building upon strong relationships and social-emotional learning, we form the foundation of effective learning communities. Success is defined not by a standard measure but on an individual basis, honoring each student's goals and aspirations. Our dynamic and adaptive approach to education constantly evolves to meet learners' needs, involving and collaborating with our students to produce the most effective learning experiences. Guided by our vision, we foster essential skills like time management, goal setting, focus, and self-regulation, nurturing independent and purposeful learners prepared for life's challenges. Our teachers possess the magic of igniting curiosity and developing intense curiosity in our students. They understand that every child loves, learns, and heals differently, establishing authentic and lasting relationships. Infusing real-life application and meaningful content, they create a love for learning, empowering students to find new routes in solving complex problems, taking creative risks, and challenging the status quo. Greenwood Elementary is a place of magic, where love, passion, and innovation infuse every aspect of our school climate and culture. Our dedicated teachers and staff ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning in each student, believing in their potential to achieve greatness and make a positive impact on the world. Together, we embrace the journey of learning, exploration, and growth, creating a vibrant community where every individual shines.

As your collaborative leader, I want you to know that I wholeheartedly believe in each and every one of our students, and I take my role as an educator personally. Greenwood holds a special place in my heart as we embrace the diversity of cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ethnicities that enrich our community. Hiring a diverse staff is a deliberate choice to share truths and empower one another as educators, fostering an inclusive environment for our students. I firmly believe that a child's background should never limit their potential in education or life. It is my duty to help students uncover their power, gifts, and talents, providing opportunities, clubs, competitions, and performances for them to showcase their abilities. With courage, vision, and unwavering determination, I am committed to supporting you and your family, seeing myself in every student who enters our doors. As a leader, I am driven to be revolutionary and transformational in our approach to education. Personalized, technology-driven, and experiential learning are at the core of our mission. By nurturing social-emotional skills, we empower our students to become adaptable and confident individuals, preparing them holistically for a dynamic world. My leadership approach centers on inspiration and support, fostering a model of guidance that allows each student to walk their unique path of growth. Embracing failure as an essential part of the learning journey, we encourage our students to be brave and innovative, building resilience along the way.

Once again I promise to always advocate for our Greenwood school community as I continue to lead with transparency and my heart.  I will not make promises I can not keep, and I will never make an excuse for not reaching our school goals. I will speak the truth, insist upon brilliance, take risks, model what I expect, and empower others to enhance instructional practices. I promise to lead with fire, think outside the box, and always be available for our students, parents, and teachers. I believe in competition, comradery collaboration, communication, consistency, credibility, and connection. I remain passionate about creating unique traditions and empowering student and staff voice. My passion teaching, learning, and leading can be seen exuding from my face when I talk about my students and staff. I am an uplifter that believes every time we help another, love another, serve another, or see another, we make music. Greenwood gives me purpose and passion for life.

My top priorities at Greenwood will remain safety in the building, student achievement, health and wellness of our students and staff, and continued improvement of instruction that supports the development of deeper learning environments and experiences. Our gators will once again be empowered to take risks, held accountable for their own learning, inspired to think critically, and serve outside of the school walls.  We will continue to support the foundation of social and emotional development of our future community leaders as they start the journey to becoming college and career ready. Students will tap into their questions, their own sense of wonder, and empathy towards an audience. Students will be given choice, student ownership, and allowed time for inquiry in order to foster creativity and navigate their own learning. 

Personally, the challenges I faced over the past three years have deepened my appreciation for the blessings we have at our school. The COVID pandemic brought virtual learning, isolation, and quarantines, leaving me with valuable life lessons. Witnessing my students and personal children unable to attend school in person reinforced the belief that people have the power to create magic. Now, more than ever, my determination to do more, be more, and grow more has intensified, with a strong desire to create memorable moments for others. My unwavering passion for children will guide our school's vision, mission, and community. Together, nothing will hinder our progress at Greenwood. We will embrace every challenge and transform them into opportunities for greatness.

Our passion for creating a magical experience for our school community also runs deep through our PTA. Greenwood’s PTA has been recognized as Virginia’s PTA of Excellence (2018-2022), and Henrico County Public School’s Unit of the Year (2021), Volunteer of the Year (2021, 2023), and Innovative Program of the Year (2021, 2023).  Our PTA website is loaded with useful information on how to get involved. We are a successful school due to the commitment and support from our PTA. No job is too small, and volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. Please consider committing your time this school year to make a difference for your child. This year more than ever, we must turn towards each other, not away from one another. Together, we can create moments that transcend the present and spill into the future. 

Finally, please continue to follow our school website and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for additional highlights throughout the year. If at any time I can be a service to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.  It is my goal to make our building inviting for families throughout the school year. I value your feedback and suggestions. No matter what the future holds, we will be ready to educate and love your children while providing an equitable and safe environment for all our Gators. Greenwood Elementary is a champion among schools, and I have so much gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve our community. 

In partnership,

Ryan Stein
Greenwood Elementary School
Principal