Principal's Message

Welcome to Custer Elementary, where we believe every child deserves to feel known, valued, and inspired to learn. It is truly an honor to serve as principal of a school community filled with dedicated educators, supportive families, and incredible students. 

At Custer Elementary, we are committed to educating the whole child. While academic excellence is an important part of our work, we know that students learn best when they feel safe, connected, and confident. We intentionally foster a school culture where every student is encouraged to take risks, celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and discover their unique strengths. 

As Custer Cougars, our shared expectations—Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible—guide everything we do. Our staff and students work together to build a welcoming and inclusive environment where kindness, responsibility, and respect are practiced every day. 

Our success is built on strong partnerships with families. We recognize that parents and caregivers are a child's first and most influential teachers, and we deeply value the trust you place in us. By working together, we can ensure every student receives the support, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 

One of the things that makes Custer Elementary so special is our sense of community. Whether celebrating student achievements, learning together in our classrooms, cheering one another on at school events, or simply greeting each other with a smile in the hallway, we believe relationships are at the heart of a great school. 

Thank you for visiting our website and for being part of the Custer Elementary family. We are proud of our Cougar traditions, excited about the opportunities ahead, and committed to helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we will continue to create a school where every child feels they belong and every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. 

Warmly, 

Kim Hawes 
Principal, Custer Elementary