Dear Arbor Heights families and staff,

Principal Christy Collins will be on leave at start the school year with a plan to return in January 2024. I am pleased to share that Principal Alana Haider is stepping in as the Arbor Heights school leader.

Principal Haider is excited to support Arbor Heights students, families, and staff as we begin this new school year! She began her service as acting principal on Aug. 14.

Principal Haider has worked in education for 33 years. She has taught students from kindergarten through high school and college-level classes. Most recently, Principal Haider has served as the principal of John Muir Elementary. Before moving to Seattle in 2020, she served as a school leader in the Anchorage School District.

She earned her bachelor’s in K-8 education from Western Washington University, a master’s in psychology and gifted education from the University of Connecticut, and a master’s in educational administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

She appreciates the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty and the infinite number of ways to enjoy nature. When not racking up miles walking everywhere, she loves to read, cook, play the piano, do puzzles, and travel.

Thank you for your patience through this transition. Principal Haider is working closely with Assistant Principal Darren Frink and Arbor Heights leadership teams to ensure a smooth transition to the start of the school year. We appreciate your support and commitment to Arbor Heights students, families and staff!

Sincerely,

Chris Carter
Regional Executive Director of Schools
Seattle Public Schools