GradenElementary School

Principal
LuAnn Halverstadt

It’s a great day to be a hornet and Dr. LuAnn Halverstadt’s job as principal of Graden Elementary School is one of pride and accomplishment. Graden is located in Parkville, Missouri and opened its doors in January of 1935. Dr. Halverstadt is a native Nebraskan.  She graduated from the University of Nebraska earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  She began her teaching career in Lincoln, Nebraska as a first grade teacher, a job she held for five years. After being relocated to Kansas City, she began teaching third grade in the Park Hill School District.  Dr. Halverstadt continued her education earning a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and an Educational Specialist in Administration from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Baker University.

In 2002, Dr. Halverstadt became principal of Graden Elementary.  During her tenure as principal, Graden Elementary has been recognized as a Gold Star School and a Top Ten School by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Dr. Halverstadt has served as Vice President and President for the MAESP Clay- Platte District.  She is a member of MAESP, NAESP, ASCD, IRA, and supports MSAPAC.  She is also a member of the Parkville Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Network for Women, and the American Society for Quality.  She supports the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, participating in the annual walk for autism.  Dr. Halverstadt is an adjunct professor for Park University’s Graduate School. She was selected as 2009-10 Clay-Platte Distinguished Elementary Principal. Dr. Halverstadt considers herself extremely fortunate to be a building principal and a Graden Hornet. Her job as a principal generates pride that few others experience.