Burt Batten
Principal, Laurel Park Elementary
Wake County Public Schools
I moved to the Triangle in 1999 and was excited to be back because I had studied at NC State and UNC Chapel Hill and loved all that the Triangle had to offer a student. Now that I’m married and have kids, I feel fortunate to live close to so many great parks. My advice to newcomers would be to take advantage of the Triangle’s location and proximity to so many wonderful outdoor activities. On any given weekend you can be outside with friends and family, enjoying a hike or a bike ride, or playing at the lake.
As one of Wake County Public Schools’ principals, I work hard to foster a positive school community for all the students, parents, staff members, and volunteers who are part of the Laurel Park neighborhood I serve. We offer a comprehensive instructional program for students in grades K – 5 and provide options for students to extend their learning through extracurricular clubs, family nights, as well as service activities. In the Raleigh area, families can find many options ranging from the comprehensive public schools, established private and parochial schools, to alternatives that are uniquely tailored for students with special needs. I suggest you use the Internet to find out more about the types of schools that are located near you.
I’ve always believed that the better the preparation you make for a job, the more likely you will be to experience success. I’ve translated that to my students to mean that “smart is not something you are. Smart is something you get.” My favorite thing to do in the Triangle is enjoy a lunch from Char-Grill and spend a weekend afternoon with my wife and kids at the park. After having traveled to different countries, I think Daniels Restaurant in Apex has some of the best Chicken Francoise you will ever enjoy.
