Meet the Principals

My name is Julie Harris, and it is my honor to serve as the principal of Westchester Elementary School.  I have been at Westchester (or WE, as we lovingly call it) since July of 2024, and with each year, I grow more and more fond of our school community. 

In our classrooms, students joyfully engage in the learning experiences that our teachers carefully craft to foster students’ curiosity and motivate their interests in the content.  At Westchester, it is undeniable that students enjoy learning!  On any given day, you will see them actively participating—asking thoughtful questions, collaborating with their peers, reflecting deeply, and enthusiastically sharing ideas with a partner, a small group, or the whole class. While we take learning seriously at Westchester, we also believe in balance, making sure our students have plenty of opportunities to take needed breaks, move their bodies, and just play.

At WE, families are our partners, and they provide valuable insight into their children – our students.  As a school team, we honor the uniqueness of every child in our building, and I am incredibly proud of our team’s unwavering dedication to meeting the varied needs of every child who walks through the doors.

I started my journey as an educator in 1995 as a middle and high school math teacher, and for 18 wonderful years, I taught courses from 7th-grade math to AP Calculus.  In 2013, I moved from the comfort of my classroom to a role in administration (specifically 7^th and 8^th grade principal), where I was immersed in new learning and opportunities.  While I continued to cherish my time teaching math, I discovered a deep, fulfilling passion for school leadership.

In 2020, I made an exciting move to a charter elementary school, where I was privileged to serve as the building principal. In that role, I quickly realized that working with elementary students and families brought me tremendous joy, and I carried that joy with me to Westchester in 2024. As the principal of this wonderful school, I feel grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the lives and the learning of the students in our building, and every day, I look forward to the promise of joyful and meaningful experiences for our students and staff.

My name is Dr. Adrienne Fox-Ray, and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at Westchester Elementary. I am excited to partner with our students, staff, families, and community as we begin another year of learning, growth, and success.

I have been an educator for 20 years and have spent the last 13 years in the Kirkwood School District. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, program director, and now assistant principal. These experiences have allowed me to work with students, families, and staff in a variety of ways, all centered around one common goal: helping every child reach their full potential.

My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and capable of success. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of learning and that students thrive when schools and families work together as partners. I strive to lead with curiosity, grace, and empathy while maintaining high expectations for both academics and character. At Westchester, we are committed to helping students grow not only as learners but also as responsible, respectful, and caring members of our community. 

Outside of school, I am a proud mother of three teenagers and enjoy spending time with my husband and family. Being both a parent and educator reminds me of the importance of communication, trust, and partnership between home and school.

I value open communication and believe that schools are strongest when families and educators work together. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, or concerns throughout the year. I look forward to partnering with you to ensure that every student grows, belongs, and succeeds. 

Thank you for being an important part of the Westchester community. I am excited for a wonderful school year ahead!