A Heartfelt Goodbye and New Opportunity for the Future

Dear Sunset Sockeye Community,

In life, we never know when opportunity will knock, and now I find myself with a chance to grow and give back to the Issaquah community in a meaningful way. Next year, I am stepping into a new role in the Issaquah School District, in the position of Principal on Special Assignment overseeing the Academy for Community Transition (ACT) program. The ACT program assists young adults with disabilities, typically between the ages of 18 and 22, in making the crucial transition into adulthood. I am truly honored to be given this new opportunity and look forward to the learning experiences that will come my way in this role.

I became the principal at Sunset Elementary in the 2019-2020 school year, and it's hard to believe how quickly the past six years of working together have gone by. I have loved my time at Sunset, as it's a beautiful community with outstanding families and staff truly focused on supporting our students. It has been a privilege to experience and see how our students are respectful, creative and a part of the everyday ongoings in this community! Sunset will always hold a special place in my heart, and while I’ll miss being the principal of such an amazing school community, I’ll forever cherish the relationships we’ve built and the work we’ve accomplished together.

Families, I thank you for entrusting your children to me. Students, thank you for being so amazing. You are a true gift and why I love coming to school every day! Staff, thank you for being so dedicated and passionate about the work you do. It has been my honor to serve as Sunset’s principal. I can’t wait to finish the year strong together and continue to stay connected in our community!

Thank you for your partnership,

LeAnn Tuupo

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Dear Sunset Elementary Learning Community,

I am humbled, honored, and thrilled to join the Sunset Elementary community as your new principal this July. With deep roots in education and a passion for fostering a positive school culture, I am eager to continue the tradition of excellence that makes Sunset such a special place for students, staff and families.

Over the past 22 years, I have had the privilege of serving in education across California, Bellevue and Renton. For the past 16 years, I have been proud to call the Issaquah School District home, serving as a classroom teacher, Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. Most recently, I have spent the past six years as the Principal of Discovery Elementary, where I have had the joy of leading a community dedicated to student success. I am excited to bring my experiences, passion, and commitment to the Sunset learning community.

Beyond my role as an educator, I am also a proud parent. My three wonderful daughters graduated from ISD, giving me a unique perspective on the strength of this district and the impact of a supportive and inclusive school environment.

I am deeply committed to building strong relationships with students, staff and families, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and included. I look forward to honoring Sunset’s traditions, supporting the incredible work already happening, and working together to ensure a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported and empowered to thrive.

I cannot wait to meet the amazing students, families and staff of Sunset as we embark on this exciting journey together!

With gratitude,

Kathy Keegan