Principal's Message

Dear Zionsville Families, 

I am honored to serve as the principal of Trailside Elementary School. Having been an administrator at Union Elementary School for the past eight years, I have seen the tremendous impact a strong, connected school community can have and look forward to building those same strong connections with the students, staff, and families at Trailside. 

I have had a quote hanging in my classroom or office since I first became an educator.

“No significant learning occurs without significant relationship.”

I believe relationships are the foundation of all educational success, and it is important that everyone who is a part of our school family feels seen, known, and loved. In that spirit, I will share a bit about my own personal and professional background. I am a native Chicagoan who attended Butler University and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a specialization in mild intervention. After teaching in a resource classroom in the Chicagoland area, I moved to north central Indiana, where I served as an intermediate schoolteacher. After receiving my master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Ball State University, I accepted a role as an assistant principal. In 2013, my husband and I relocated to Zionsville for his employment, and we truly love raising our daughters in this community. My favorite thing about living in the community I serve is that calling this community home deepens the connections. It is a joy to see school students and families at the grocery store, the aquatics center, or even in unexpected places, like on out of state vacations. The network in Zionsville Community Schools is wide, and I look forward to extending this even further as I have the pleasure of getting to know Trailside families in the months to come.

With respect, 

Jen Raycroft

Principal, Trailside Elementary