William Dedrick, Principal

Dear ROE Community:

It is with great joy and honor that I extend my heartfelt greetings to each member of our school community. I am excited and humbled to join a community that has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, global-mindedness, and the holistic development of our students. Together, we embark on a journey to foster learning environments that encourage inquiry, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to serve students in an IB World School setting, ranging from the elementary Primary Years Programme to secondary Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. As much as I have enjoyed serving in secondary, I am thrilled to return to my elementary roots. Regardless the age group, I never grow tired of seeing students engaged in meaningful learning. I am deeply passionate about every child having the right to learn and grow in a high-quality environment, which is why I am excited to support the transdisciplinary teaching and learning that occurs at River Oaks Elementary.

As I embark on this next step in my career as an educator, I am inspired by the collective achievements of our students, dedicated educators, and supportive parents, which have undoubtedly contributed to the school’s reputation for excellence. As a parent of an HISD student, I know how critical parent partnerships are in our students’ success. As we move forward, my vision is to build upon this strong foundation, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

I look forward to working closely with each of you, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Let us continue to empower our students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens, equipped with the skills and values necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. I am eager to engage in open communication and collaboration to ensure that our shared vision is realized. Together, we can create an educational experience that prepares our students not only for academic success, but also for meaningful and impactful lives beyond the classroom.

Thank you for your warm welcome, and I am excited to embark on this journey with you.

Warmly,

William J. Dedrick, IV