Toby Brenner, Principal

Dear Frost Parents,

I am excited to begin my 12th year as the principal of Robert Frost Elementary. Frost Elementary has an excellent reputation as a school with strong instructional programs, caring and talented staff, and a supportive parent community, and it has been my goal to continue this tradition for all new and returning Frost students. I look forward to meeting new Frost families, seeing familiar faces, and learning more about your students this year as we work to ensure that every student is future ready. I would like to take this opportunity to provide a little information about myself both professionally and personally.

My career in education has been varied and diverse. I come from a family of teachers, and I began my career working with elementary students as a children’s counselor. I became a teacher in 1993, teaching in Northern California, Taiwan, and the Lake Washington School District. I have served as principal at both Carl Sandburg Elementary/DCS in Lake Washington and at Jefferson Elementary in the Everett Public Schools, and worked at the district level as the LWSD Coordinator of Technology Integration.

As hard as it may be for some of my students to believe, a principal really does have a life outside of school. I have two children, ages 14 and 17, plus two Shiba Inu dogs named Hachi and Aiko, so my home is pretty active! When I’m not working at school, I can often be found riding my bike through the hilly back roads, driving my motorcycle through twisty highways, or just reading books and spending time with my family.

School should be a place where children feel happy and engaged, and where parents feel welcome and involved, and it is my goal to ensure that Frost is no different. I will be in classrooms and around the school every day, so please feel free to stop by to introduce yourself, as I welcome the opportunity to meet new families. I look forward to continued collaborating with this great community as we work together to make sure every student has a great year here at Robert Frost Elementary!

Sincerely,

Toby Brenner

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Elizabeth McClane, Associate Principal

I was born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula until I went to college at the University of Oregon. After graduating with an environmental studies degree, I started teaching preschool and then worked for the YMCA. In 2009, I went to North Carolina State University and began my teaching career the following year. Becoming an educator was the best decision I have ever made, and it brings me joy every day. After moving back to Washington, I worked in Tacoma Public Schools and most recently in Highline Public Schools. 

When I am not at the best elementary school ever, I can be found hiking with my two dogs Gertie and Hollie. I also enjoy long distance running and being outside as much as possible.  During the pandemic I also decided to try indoor bouldering (rock climbing in a gym with short walls) to help me face my fear of heights.  I am always trying to find ways to challenge myself.