Water Spring Elementary School welcomes new principal

Water Spring Elementary School has welcomed a new principal.

Rachel Larsen will lead the young Otter students. 

Previous principal Matthew Hendricks has been tapped to lead the new elementary school under construction at 111000 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden.

Larsen said she is very excited to join the WSE community. She comes to the school with 16 years of experience in education working with grades pre-K through 12. 

Larsen first began her career in Orange County Public Schools as a substitute teacher. She then taught English Language Learners in the high school setting. 

While earning her doctoral degree in educational leadership, she gained experience in the curriculum department of the central office. 

Larsen has more than five years of experience as an assistant principal, which include middle and elementary schools in both Title I and non-Title I settings. 

"My roots with OCPS run deep," she said. "Not only are my husband and I both products of Orange County Public Schools, we (also) have two amazing children in elementary and middle school. My husband is also a former principal of West Orange High School, and being given an opportunity in this community is very special."

 When she's not working, Larsen enjoys spending time with her family.

"My children are growing up so fast!" she said. "Whether it's going to a theme park or just taking the dog on a family walk, my favorite thing to do is make lasting memories."