Welcome to our Bayou View Elementary webpage!   I’m Sandra Wilks, and I have been the instructional leader of Bayou View Elementary since 2005, having first served as the school’s assistant principal from 2003-2005.  I take great pride in welcoming you to your electronic introduction of BVE, and hope that you will take the time to peruse our school’s pages, and see for yourself just what makes Bayou View Elementary such a special place for children to learn.

At BVE, as throughout the Gulfport School District, our vision is driven by the following philosophy:  Every Decision:  What is Best for Children?  Every Time.  Through this mantra, we realize our district’s mission statement in “inspiring each student to become a problem solver, lifelong learner, and productive member of society.”  This indicates that we are completely child-centered, and strive to meet the full educational needs of each and every student.  

I am currently entering my 25^th year in education, and my 5^th year as principal here at Bayou View Elementary.  I spent 17 years in the elementary classroom, teaching first, fourth, and fifth grades.  I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Nicholls State University, and a Master of Education degree in administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.  It is an honor and a privilege to serve with the fine men and women who comprise the faculty and staff of BVE, as we collectively strive to push children to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible.  This is of paramount importance and urgency as we continue to live and grow through the early 21^st century.  Consider:  we are educating children to enter careers and occupations that have not yet been invented, and in some cases, even envisioned!  With that said, we must keep in mind that we are in the business of teaching children to think critically and analytically about the world around them; what knowledge a child masters is infinitely more valuable than a number or letter grade. 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my own family; I have been married to my husband, Randy, for over 29 years, and we have two beautiful daughters:  Randy, 20, is a sophomore in college, and Jessica, 23, is in her first year of teaching science at Gulfport Central Middle School. 

We take pride in the relationships that we build with you, our parents and community.  You are our “customers,” and as our stakeholders, we invite you to work with us both on and off campus as we work together to prepare the leaders of tomorrow’s world.  Please enjoy your “tour” of our webpage, and be sure to stop by for a visit of our campus soon. 

Yours in Education,