Meet the Principals
Westwood is a special place because the teachers take the time to get to know the students. Westwood works together to bring both the academic learning to students in the four core areas of reading, math, science and social studies while providing opportunities for students to make choices about their learning with the electives and specialists. We also focus on working with students on the life skills they will need to be successful in high school - organization, time management, working with others, communication. This is done by having students on teams where the teachers know the students well.
Tom Larson, Westwood Principal
5 favs with Principal Larson
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Favorite school lunch: Orange Chicken
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Favorite school tradition or school activity: The annual Lock In
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Favorite part of your school day: Visiting with students in the hallway
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What was your favorite subject in school? Why? Math. I struggled in math with fractions but I had a middle school teacher who helped me by using manipulative so then I ended up being really good at it.
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Favorite way to spend time outside of the school day: I like to work on projects around the house - a sledgehammer and then putting it all back together is completely different than what I do at school so I enjoy working with my hands at home.
Watch: Get to Know Principal Larson
Westwood stands out as a special place because we have a strong sense of community. Each day, we share laughter, support one another and engage in new learning experiences. What truly sets Westwood apart is our commitment to knowing each student as an individual, recognizing their unique strengths, motives, interests and needs.
Tealie Krugerud, Westwood Associate Principal
5 favs with Associate Principal Krugerud
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Favorite school lunch: Chicken Caesar Salad
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Favorite school tradition or school activity: Community Building or Restorative Circles because they have helped create a stronger sense of community and belonging at Westwood
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Favorite part of your school day: Welcoming the students at the door each morning
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What was your favorite subject in school? Why? I loved math because it was very concrete and I love using strategies to solve problems
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Favorite way to find movement: Weight lifting
What makes Westwood unique is how we shape learning to fit each student, their strengths, interests, and motives. As a principal and a parent in Spring Lake Park Schools, I’ve seen firsthand how this approach helps students become confident, capable learners.
Steve brady, Westwood Associate Principal
5 favs with Associate Principal Brady
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Favorite school lunch: At Westwood, nothing beats the chicken wings, especially with a little Gochujang sauce on the side.
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Favorite school tradition or school activity: I love Morning Meeting. It’s a time when the whole school comes together, and everyone has a chance to feel included and heard. We practice listening, working together, speaking kindly, and showing respect. It’s such a positive way to strengthen our school community and kick off the day.
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Favorite part of your school day: What I enjoy most is seeing students get excited about learning. Whether they’re asking thoughtful questions, tackling a tricky problem, or connecting ideas in new ways. Those “a-ha” moments in the classroom are always inspiring. I also love connecting with students during breakfast, lunch, or recess it gives me another perspective on how they’re growing each day.
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What was your favorite subject in school? Why? In elementary school, reading was my favorite—especially nonfiction about animals and dinosaurs. I loved learning real facts and exploring the natural world through books. In middle school, high school, and college, science took the top spot for me. I enjoyed figuring out how things worked and running experiments. It was exciting to see ideas come to life.
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Favorite way to find movement: I’m a big fan of the outdoors. Biking, camping, and fly fishing are some of my favorite hobbies. Being out in nature helps me relax and recharge, and each trip feels like its own adventure. This past summer, I hiked around Mt. Rainer and biked across Iowa.