About the Principal

Principal Michelle Upperman

Principal Michelle Upperman is passionate about being an educator who leads a family-oriented and culturally diverse school. As a school administrator she is guided by a famous quote from poet and author Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” While she has taught for more than 18 years, she came to the Colonial School District as a 1st-grade teacher in 2018 and was quickly promoted to student advisor and assistant principal before taking her current position. Education is Upperman’s second career even though she says she dreamed of being a teacher ever since the third grade saying, “I chose a different path when it came to college. Time and my true passion brought me back to education; where I’ve always belonged. I’m grateful and blessed daily when I arrive at work and the reality sinks in that this amazing journey is my life!” Upperman is a book lover and the proud mother of two teenage boys. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Goldey Beacom College and has two Master’s Degrees from Wilmington University.

Upperman looks forward to engaging with young scholars saying, “I remember how important teachers were in my education and the impact they had. I want to provide that same feeling to my students and their families. That impact is broadened in my role as a school leader. It is not only important for students to know their opportunities, but to see themselves in those who educate and lead them.”