Student and Family Handbook

Welcome to Council Oak

Welcome Letter from Principal Chris Cebrzynski

My name is Chris Cebrzynski, and I bring over 25 years of experience as a principal, including the past 15 years in Washington, DC. As I begin my role as principal of COE this July, I am honored and excited to join a new school community. This upcoming year also marks my 40th year in education, a milestone that makes this next chapter especially meaningful to me.

My wife and I are looking forward to this transition as we relocate to Oklahoma in early July. One of the greatest joys of this move is being closer to family, especially our daughter, who is expecting our second grandchild this October. Family has always been at the center of my life; as the youngest of eleven, I learned early on the importance of connection, responsibility, and caring for others.

Those values guide my work as an educator and leader. I believe strongly in building relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a school community where everyone feels supported and valued. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, especially barbecuing, and I’m excited to connect with others and become part of the vibrant and welcoming COE community.

With appreciation, 

Chris Cebrzynski 
Principal, Council Oak Elementary 

Mission

Council Oak creates an inclusive and supportive community that honors the holistic and academic development of every child. 

Vision

At Council Oak, we nurture a lifelong passion for learning, driven by curiosity and exploration, centered around the whole child. 

COEmmUnity

COEmmUNITY is Council Oak’ s commitment to our children, families, and partners to cultivate active and authentic learning experiences based in our core beliefs. We believe that COEmmUNITY creates the foundation for: 

• Meaningful Relationships 
• Empowerment 
• Embracing Knowledge 
• Critical Thinking 
• Creativity 
• Agency 
• Curiosity 
• Resilience 
• Compassion 
• Respect 
• Whole Child 
• Wonderment 
• Constructivism 
• Life Long Learning

Every Child is Worthy of:

• love and genuine understanding 
• dignity and common decency, even in hard moments 
• their desired name being used and pronounced correctly 
• having their identity expression honored 
• a calm and safe space to learn