GREENFIELD -- A blonde kindergartener's eyes beamed with excitement when she saw Meg Welch standing in the hallway.
"I missed you!" the girl said, giving the principal a squeeze as they started walking back from music class.
In her fifth year as principal at Weston Elementary School, it's obvious Welch loves what she does, according to a press release from Greenfield-Central schools.
Greeting the more than 300 kindergarten through third-grade students each morning is what she says calms her. Stepping into the classrooms to assist teachers or simply listen to the chatter of a child is her drive.
And while the school day is a busy flow of helping open milk cartons at lunch to checking in on a tearful student, it might seem a bit ironic that Welch chose "steady" as her theme word for this year.
The hand-crafted phrase is bold above her desk as a reminder to live in the moment amidst the hustle of a lively elementary school.
"I give each person the attention they deserve, give each task the time it deserves," she said.
A list-maker and planner at heart, Welch acknowledges it's important to look ahead and meet state standards and achievements with student progress. But oftentimes that happens in small steps, one step at a time.
She's learned to slow down and enjoy each conversation.
"Kindergarten through third-grade students are naturally curious, energetic, and eager to explore the world around them," Welch said. "While every student is unique, it is our responsibility to understand and nurture their individual learning styles."
Weston uses play-based learning, as well as movement and collaboration. She said auditory and visual learners engage in plenty of exciting materials and resources, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to thrive.
"This age group is naturally eager to please, arriving each day with enthusiasm and a genuine excitement for learning," she said.
It's an age group Welch has come to adore.
Originally from Illinois, Welch wanted to be a teacher ever since she was a little girl. She can vividly remember the third grade teacher that made an impact on her life.
Welch earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in Elementary Education, and went on to earn several master's and educational specialists degrees at other Indiana universities.
She taught in Brownsburg and was an assistant principal at New Palestine and Maxwell intermediate schools before becoming principal at Weston Elementary in 2020.
Married to Josh, the physical education teacher at Greenfield Intermediate School, the Welches call Greenfield home now. They have two children: Jacob, a sophomore, and Hudston, a Weston third grader.
One of the best parts of her day is greeting students as they arrive early in the morning. She knows that some students are going through rough times, so she wants Weston to be a place where they feel safe and nurtured.
"We just really try to be the first smile they see in the morning, to let them know that we care about them and we want them here," she said.
There's a lot of pride to see children come to Weston as 5 year olds, and leave as young men and women ready to embrace the challenges of the intermediate school. She loves celebrating each outgoing class of third graders on the last day of school with a "clap-out" as they parade through the halls, teachers and students tearing up in emotion.
Welch said she couldn't ask for a more dedicated and inspiring team of teachers. Achieving goals each day is truly a collective effort, and she loves that they are always putting students first.
"Their willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches reflects their passion for excellence," Welch said. "Beyond their hard work, they bring a sense of joy and camaraderie that makes our workplace truly special."
And when days get tough, Welch leans on her staff for support time and again.
Welch shared a recent success story of a boy who faced significant trauma. Over the last year, school staff worked together to provide extra support for academics and social skills. Today, he's forming friendships with his classmates and he's even recognizing his own progress.
"Recently, he turned to his support person and said, 'Can you ask Meg if I can be by myself? I don't need you anymore - I'm good now.'"
It's incredibly rewarding to see him thriving, Welch said.
Family connections at Weston are important. For students to be successful, teachers need to connect with home, Welch said. And home needs to connect with the school.
Parents are kept in the loop with weekly newsletters, open parent/teacher communication, and special events throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to join their student for lunch, or volunteer in the classroom.
Tiffany Garritano, president of the Weston parent/teacher organization, says each teacher and staff member contributes to the school's close-knit community.
"I often hear Mrs. Welch conversing with families, asking about older siblings of current Weston students that have 'graduated' to GIS," Garritano said. "Her ability to remember details is uncanny. It really shows her dedication and personal investment in the school community."
Welch is approachable, compassionate and encouraging - nothing like the intimidating principals of the past, Garritano said.
"Everything about her is genuine, and we're lucky to have her positivity in our community," Garritano said.
Greenfield-Central Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin said Welch has many professional traits that make her a wonderful principal. She is constantly moving throughout the school, and is truly interested in the experience that others are having at Weston.
"She truly enjoys working with students, staff and parents on a daily basis," Olin said. "Spending just a few minutes with Meg, one can easily see that her job provides her with much joy and satisfaction."
Welch is also a great coach to teachers. She assesses strengths and weaknesses, and provides regular feedback to all of her team members in an encouraging way, Olin said.
"Highly effective principals are great communicators," he said. "That includes listening and sharing a vision for something better. Meg is committed to both of these aspects of communication, and it has been a key to her success in the role of principal for Greenfield-Central."