Leadership

Nathan Slinde
Principal
slinden@district112.org
952-556-6910

Welcome to Clover Ridge Elementary! My name is Nate Slinde and I am proud to serve as the building principal! This will be my ninth year serving in this role. Prior to Clover Ridge, I spent three years as the assistant principal at Chaska Middle School East. My education includes a Bachelor's Degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, and an Educational Specialist and Principal’s Licensure from the University of St. Thomas. 

I began my teaching career at Bluff Creek Elementary before moving to Clover Ridge in 2001 where I served as classroom teacher, Lead Teacher, and various other roles. I have worked for Eastern Carver County Schools for my entire career. I am proud of this community, where my wife and I have raised our three children, and invested our time and energy in developing our young learners.

I believe that relationships are at the center of teaching and learning and our responsibility is fostering those relationships so that each learner can achieve their personal best. Our building’s mission is to develop self-directed, responsible, lifelong learners and that is evident each day.

As we embark on our 22th anniversary as a building, we remain committed to the social, emotional, and academic growth for all learners. We have a great staff that is highly invested in our building and eager to welcome you to another school year. You are a valued partner in this educational journey.  Please reach out with questions, concerns, or suggestions on how we can make the most of this important experience!

 

Hello!
 
My name is Elizabeth Johnson and I am the proud administrative dean at Clover Ridge Elementary. This is my third year serving in the dean role at Clover Ridge. Before becoming the building's dean, I served as Clover Ridge's instructional coach for four years. Prior to working at Clover, I taught middle school social studies at both Chaska Middle School East and West. I also taught one year at Chaska High School in 2007, which was my first year in Eastern Carver County Schools.
 
My educational career began at University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, where I found my love for psychology and social studies education. I transferred to the University of MN-Twin Cities to finish my undergrad and obtain my Masters in Social Studies Education. I completed my Education Specialist and K-12 Principal Licensure though Mankato State University in 2020.
 
My passion is empowering students and teachers to be their best selves each and every day. I am so grateful to be part of this incredible team here at Clover Ridge, ready to love, support, and grow your learners with all of our hearts!

Elizabeth Johnson
Administrative Dean 
johnsone@district112.org
952-556-6911

 

 

Hello Clover Families!
 
My name is Edie Stearns and I am the Instructional Coach for our school. I have proudly been an elementary teacher for Eastern Carver County for 30 years. I have taught every grade level - first through sixth - and have had the privilege of working in five of our buildings: Chanhassen, Bluff Creek, Chaska, Carver and now Clover Ridge. My role as instructional coach includes working with and supporting our teachers and administrators with the goal of increasing student engagement, improving student achievement and building teacher capacity. I am thrilled to be serving this community!
 
I am a graduate of St. Olaf College where I received my BA in English. I attended Cambridge University, England, my junior year there. I received a second BA in Elementary Education and then a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas. 
 
I have two grown sons who attended our schools and have successful careers in accounting and diesel mechanics.  

Edie Stearns
Instructional Coach 
stearnse@district112.org
952-556-1963

 

 

Welcome to Clover Ridge! 
My name is Jennifer Shinn, and I am a School Social Worker. I have worked in Eastern Carver County Schools for the past 21 years. I had the privilege to teach third and fourth grade at Clover for 16 of those years. I spent three years as a Social Worker for Specialized Services before my current position.  I am grateful to be able to work with our Clover Ridge Community in my current position.

I live in Chaska with my husband, Jim. Between us, we have four children, all who have all attended Eastern Carver County Schools. I received my Social Work degree from St. Catherine's University. I also hold a Master's Degree in Education from St. Mary's University. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking, traveling, and playing games.
 
I look forward to partnering with families to allow each child to reach their full potential.  It is going to be a great year of learning and growing.  
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  

Jennifer Shinn
Social Worker
shinnj@district112.org
952-556-6912

 

The mission of Clover Ridge Elementary School is to develop self-directed, responsible, lifelong learners.

Clover Ridge Elementary School is a welcoming community that inspires the excitement of learning. Children and adults are engaged in exploration, problem solving and the practice of newly gained knowledge and skills. Achievement for all is developed through personalized learning experiences supported by curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Partnerships among students, parents, teachers, staff and community members play an essential role in each learner’s success. Clover Ridge Elementary School is a focal point in creating the future of the community it serves.

We believe that:

  • each person has the ability to learn and be successful
  • successful learners are motivated and accountable
  • collaboration, teamwork and high expectations ensure success
  • parents/guardians are valued partners in his/her child’s education
  • students, staff, and families thrive in a safe learning environment that upholds the community values and promotes social, emotional and physical well-being
  • staff, students, parents, and community partnerships enhance community service, foster connections across the curriculum and link learning to real-life experiences
  • clear, honest and continuous communication among all stakeholders is essential to the learning process
  • technology is a tool to help learners acquire, create and apply knowledge and skills
  • a variety of assessment tools will provide needed feedback for continuous improvement
  • celebration of effort and learning encourages future success