Personal Message

Hello! My name is Chanda E. Oatis and I am the proud Principal of Meany Middle School in the Seattle Public School District. I have held several roles in the Seattle School District; student, teacher, parent, house administrator, assistant principal, interim principal and principal. As a school leader, I strive to build authentic relationships with students, families and other educators, as we excel in our educational goals.

I have had the privilege and responsibility to teach and lead the development of the academic minds of the next generation and future society. Our society is a reflection of how we were educated in schools. As a leader, I have always been clear about our important charge. We are charged with creating educational opportunities that allow for ALL children to feel intelligent, valued, challenged and socially and emotionally supported every day. We are the students, the parents, the staff and the community. We will accomplish this by working collaboratively to ensure that all learning opportunities are inclusive and differentiated for our diverse learners, having high expectations for all, and planning engaging and culturally relevant instruction that is data-driven with clear goals and outcomes.

I have had the privilege and opportunity to serve as the principal of two Seattle Public Schools elementary schools and currently a middle school. Prior to that, I served as an instructional leader (House Administrator and Assistant Principal) at an SPS middle school. Nine years ago, when I was called upon to step into the role as an elementary school leader, I was honored and proud to be selected. I felt prepared to elevate to the next level of leadership in the district because my time spent at the middle school was purposely designed to prepare me to be a transformative leader. I really valued the experience of getting to know the elementary level in a more intimate way. Throughout my time in elementary school, my heart called out for the opportunity to serve at a secondary level again as a principal.

I have been a proud employee of the Seattle Public Schools for many years. I am a believer in this district. I started and finished my K-12 personal educational in the Seattle School District. I am very proud to say that my oldest daughter started and finished her K-12 education in the Seattle School District. She is now a graduate of Hampton University and a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. My second daughter is an amazing 1st grader who has conquered the world of online learning in Seattle Public Schools. My third daughter is a brilliant three-year old that loves to learn through song, dance and she is already an iPad genius. My passion as a parent additionally connects me to the importance of the parent voice and being a black parent during this time in this country.

With my leadership experience at two diverse comprehensive middle schools and my success with two different socioeconomic communities at the elementary level, l am excited for the opportunity to learn alongside this group to continue to grow my leadership skills and knowledge.

Personal Message

My name is Alison Underdahl and I am thrilled to be at Meany Middle School staff. After graduating from Seattle University with a Masters in Teaching in 2005 I went on to obtain my National Boards in Middle School Mathematics. I have taught 6th and 7th grade math in Seattle, Shoreline and Lake Washington School Districts.

I enjoy working with middle school students. It is a privilege to help students develop confidence and independence on their journey to becoming responsible citizens. Two important components of my teaching are acceptance and relevance. I believe everyone should enjoy their time in school and feel understood by their teachers. I make this possible by getting to know my students as individuals and holding everyone to a clear high standard. Secondly, I always stress the importance of math in our daily lives through projects and student choice. I hope that I can instill a sense of wonder for the world through mathematics.

Outside of teaching my passions include theater, Doctor Who, soccer, riding my bike and drinking coffee. My hair changes color, shape and size often and I always wear Converse.

Biography

My passion is teaching.

,Personal Message

"Education is our passport to the future. for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

- Malcolm X -

Personal Message

My name is Ruth Walther. I am a Special Education teacher here at Meany Middle School. I am very excited to build a new school together. I grew up in California and have lived in Oakland and San Francisco for twelve years before moving to Seattle. I graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in History. In addition to teaching, my interests include reading political science, exploring Seattle, and playing with the cutest dog on earth.

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