Dow's Prairie Elementary School Home

Principal's Message

Hello Dow’s Prairie Families!!

My name is Ashley Lankila and I am deeply honored and beyond excited to be returning to the phenomenal staff of Dow’s Prairie Elementary School and to serve as the Principal.

I started at Dow’s Prairie in 2012 as a Kindergarten teacher. I taught at Dow’s for seven years, all in Kindergarten, one year as a Kindergarten/First Grade combo, and one year as an Instructional coach and Kindergarten teacher. While I loved my time in Kindergarten, the amount of learning that happens in one short year is inspiring, I was ready to grow as an educator and left Dow’s Prairie to become the Principal of Mad River High School. For the past three years I have served in the Northern Humboldt Union High School District as a combination of the principal of Mad River High School, the Dean of Students for McKinleyville High School and the Athletic Director for McKinleyville High School. Working at the high school level has provided me with first hand insight into where this educational journey leads and what students need to be successful. It has been an incredible and valuable experience and I am excited to bring my knowledge and overall passion back to Dow’s Prairie!

As a TK-2nd grade school, students come to Dow’s Prairie for their first educational experiences. We teach them how to navigate and be successful in a school setting, we support them in building social interactions, we focus heavily on learning to read and the foundations of mathematics that lead to future success. Most importantly, we build their love of learning with the goal of becoming lifelong learners!

It is my goal as an educator that every child can see school as a safe, loving and caring place where learning is enjoyable. It is my goal as a leader that my staff have the support and resources that they need to provide that experience to every child that walks through our doors. It is my goal as a community member to be your partner, to respect the tremendous honor you have given us of teaching your children.

I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Ashley Lankila (Mrs. L)