LEWISTON — Amanda Winslow took the principalship at Farwell Elementary School because it’s “a great school,” she said.

It’s the first time she’s held the top job at any school; she was assistant principal at Lewiston Middle School last year.

Winslow said her strengths “really align” with building a positive, trusting community, and building relationships with teachers.

The 41-year-old grew up in central Maine and graduated from Oak Hill High School in Litchfield. After graduating from the University of Maine at Farmington, she taught at St. Peter’s Elementary Catholic School in Lewiston in 1997.

From 2005 to 2013, she taught grades one and two at Montello Elementary. In 2013 to 2015, she was the teacher evaluation coordinator for Lewiston schools, helping coordinate teacher training to improve student learning, and working with teacher coaches to ensure consistent messages.

Because of retirements and promotions, she’ll be the fourth Farwell principal in three years. She was preceded by Althea Walker, Linda St. Andre and Jana Mates, who is Lewiston Middle School principal.

Winslow said she’s hoping there will be no changes in leadership for a while.

“I’m hoping to stay a bit,” she said.

Winslow’s tips for parents: As the school year begins, “expect your child to be tired when they come home,” and make sure they have some downtime. “Let them be a kid and let them play,” she said.

Also, don’t make going back to school stressful. “Play it positive,” Winslow said. “Ease their anxiety by letting them have fun.”

Winslow’s tips for students: Put away the smartphone, the tablet or the computer at 7 p.m. each school night. Screen time before bed steals quality sleep, which children need, she said. “Go to bed when your parents tell you to,” she said. Students should also communicate with their parents about what they need and not get overwhelmed.

Lighter side

Winslow’s favorite movie: “A League of Their Own.”

Favorite food: Pizza.

Farwell’s first open house: Aug. 31, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

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