Dear Richardson Community,

I am Melissa Houde. I am excited about joining the Richardson Elementary School “family” this school year!

I have had the pleasure of being a member of our ISD622 community since 2012,  serving as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, and Principal for Oakdale Elementary in SY21-22. Throughout my time in 622, I have been able to provide teachers with one-on-one mentoring, lead professional development, and support numerous district-level initiatives - including the very successful Kindergarten Phonics Task Force. Before coming to 622, I taught kindergarten for seven years at Dugsi Academy in St. Paul and I coached gymnastics for 15 years. 

I received my Bachelor's, MaED, ESL certificate for mainstream teachers, Urban Teaching Certificate, and K-12 Principal License from Hamline University. I grew up in Eau Claire, WI (Go Packers!!!) and moved to St. Paul when I attended Hamline.  I have two children (Cortlin, age 4 & Charley, age 6) who both attend a language immersion school near our home in Forest Lake. When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, boating, reading, dancing, exercising, and traveling. 

I am passionate about early literacy instruction, social-emotional learning, and utilizing data to support the implementation of the MTSS model (so we can pinpoint students’ individual learning needs and differentiate appropriately to ensure each student can thrive). Last year, I focused on supporting Oakdale Elementary so it could become a school that was conducive to student and adult learning by nurturing and modeling collaboration, flexibility, gratitude, shared responsibility, a restorative mindset, and equity-focused practices. As a leader, I am committed to creating a positive school culture and climate and empowering all stakeholders. Therefore, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time with questions, concerns, and/or suggestions. You can contact me at mhoude@isd622.org or  651-748-6910.

I am excited about getting to know each staff member, student, and family better throughout this school year, as I believe in the power of relationships and connections. Together, I am confident we can make this year AMAZING!!! 

In partnership,

Melissa Houde (pronounced “hood”)