Dear Families,

As I reflect on the past five years as Principal of Dan Peterson School, I feel deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead and grow alongside such a dedicated staff, incredible students, and supportive families. What began as a humbling opportunity to carry on the legacy of my mentor and friend Kim Wong has become one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.

Our school is more than a building—it is a community grounded in respect, dignity, and high expectations for every student. Together, we’ve strengthened programs, expanded opportunities for life skill development, and prioritized communication, collaboration, and compassion at every level.

For those who don’t know me yet, I am an occupational therapist by training and have worked in special education for over two decades. I live in Highland with my wife and four children, and I’m a proud product of Alpine School District myself.

At Dan Peterson, we focus on functional, individualized learning that helps our students grow in communication, independence, and confidence. We continue to build on the 6 C’s—Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Citizenship, and Character—while preparing students for meaningful lives beyond school. Our 5-year strategic plan outlines exciting goals that will ensure we stay student-centered, future-focused, and rooted in best practice.

I remain committed to maintaining strong partnerships with families. Your voice matters, and your trust is essential to the work we do. Please know that my door is always open—I welcome your ideas, feedback, and collaboration.

Thank you for being part of the Dan Peterson family. It is an honor to serve as your principal.

Sincerely,
Ryan Hemming
Principal Dan Peterson School