Meet the Principal

Welcome Dunstan Middle School Families. This is my sixth year of serving as the principal of Dunstan in the Green Mountain Area! Prior to coming to DMS, I was the principal of Dutch Creek Elementary which matriculates to Columbine High School. Like Dunstan, Dutch Creek encompassed a variety of students and families. During my 12 years in the Columbine Community we thrived and became a student-centered, dynamic school that was deeply committed to ongoing improvement. My doctorate degree from Denver University was completed prior to shifting from Dutch Creek to Dunstan. The evolution of Dunstan is following a similar path and I am honored to continue to serve the GM Area!

Prior to my work at Dutch Creek, I worked as a middle school Assistant Principal and Coordinator of School Achievement at two middle schools in Cherry Creek School District. This was joyful and inspirational work for me as their school district consistently aspired to be truly excellent! This is a motto I hold to this day!

I began my teaching career in a small school district outside of Tacoma, Washington which is where my spouse’s family resides. My Master’s and undergraduate work occurred at Western Washington University in Seattle and Bellingham Washington. While in Tacoma, I was a middle school teacher and administrative intern.

As a child I was blessed to be raised by two Jeffco teachers and later administrators. My Mother, Sondra Jackson Kellogg served four Jeffco elementary schools as a principal. My Father devoted 25 years to being the principal of our Outdoor Education School, where I was raised. Education has been a daily dinner-time conversation and the core of my professional beliefs. 

I have found Green Mountain families to be logical and devoted to their students having an excellent middle school experience that prepares them for high school. As a leader I truly value partnership and welcome parents to partner with the school in the betterment of our students.

Respectfully,

Jen Pennell