By Meghan Walsh
As I sit in my special education classroom at 6:45 a.m. on a Monday morning at Sheehan Elementary School, the day announces itself in a familiar way—long before I see her. I hear the clickety-clack of high heels moving briskly down the hallway, paired with the sound of a warm, animated voice on a cell phone. Upbeat, enthusiastic, and unmistakably full of energy, her words echo ahead of her: “You’ve got this. And I’m here if you need to talk later. Have a great day!”
Photo courtesy of Meghan Walsh. Sheehan School Principal Kristen Evans (center, in white) and staff were advocates of "Choose Kind," a motto of expected behavior at the elementary school.This is how many mornings begin with Kristen Evans, principal of Sheehan Elementary School, who will soon be retiring after 18 years of extraordinary service in the Westwood Public Schools. An “early bird” in every sense of the phrase, Mrs. Evans rises most mornings at 4:45 a.m. and makes the long daily commute from Hull to Westwood. Yet not once has that distance—or the demands of the job—diminished her spirit. From the moment she walks through Sheehan’s doors to the second she leaves at the end of the day, she is in constant motion, driven by purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her school community.
Among staff, Mrs. Evans is affectionately known as the “Energizer Bunny,” a nickname she has earned many times over. She greets students at the front door every single day, calling each one by name and welcoming them with genuine warmth. Her connections with students run deep and wide. She remembers the details of their lives and makes sure they know they matter. “I heard you had a great basketball game last weekend,” she says to one. “How’s your mom feeling? I hope she’s better,” she asks another. Fist bumps, hugs, and high-fives are delivered freely, always accompanied by her trademark smile.
Photo courtesy of Meghan Walsh. Sheehan School Principal Kristen Evans is described as a cheerleader who inspires and supports students and staff.Throughout the school day, Mrs. Evans is always accessible—but rarely stationary. She is seldom behind her desk, instead moving purposefully through hallways and classrooms. Her presence is calm yet dynamic, intentional yet approachable. She supports teachers, encourages students, observes instruction, and offers feedback that is both thoughtful and constructive. She has an extraordinary ability to be exactly what is needed in the moment: a sounding board, a problem-solver, a motivator, or a steady hand.
To her staff, Mrs. Evans is a true thought partner—someone who listens deeply, asks the right questions, and pushes thinking in ways that strengthen practice without diminishing confidence. She is a cheerleader when spirits are low, a critical thinker when challenges arise, and a proactive leader who anticipates needs before they become crises. Her leadership is rooted in trust, compassion, and high expectations, creating a culture where both students and adults feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
Photo courtesy of Meghan Walsh. Kristen Evans (left) enjoys a moment with Westwood Public Schools Superintendent Timothy Piwowar and Sheehan School parents.As Kristen Evans prepares to retire on Tuesday, December 23, the Sheehan Elementary School family reflects on the profound impact she has made. Her legacy lives not only in programs implemented or initiatives launched, but in the countless daily moments that defined her leadership—the early mornings, the open doors, the encouraging words, and the unwavering belief in her community and her endless love. She leaves behind a school that is stronger, kinder, and more connected because of her presence.
The Sheehan Family will miss the sound of those heels in the hallway, the energy she brought to every corner of the building, and the steady reassurance of knowing she was always there. But her influence will endure, carried forward by the students, staff, and families who were fortunate enough to walk through these halls with her. Sheehan will move forward because of her leadership, but it will always carry the imprint of her heart, and she will be deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever part of who we are.
Best wishes to Mrs. Kristen Evans on her retirement and endless gratitude to her for her leadership, wisdom, and love.
Photo courtesy of Meghan Walsh. Principal Kristen Evans (left of center, in blue) leads a gathering of Sheehan School students, staff, and families in the school cafeteria.Thanks to Meghan Walsh, a special education teacher at the Sheehan School of Westwood Public Schools, for contributing this article to Westwood Minute.
Editor's note: At a School Committee meeting on December 10, 2025, Westwood Public Schools (WPS) Superintendent Timothy Piwowar announced that WPS Director of Social-Emotional Learning Donna Tobin will serve as interim principal at Westwood Public Schools' Sheehan School through the rest of the 2025-2026 school year. Ms. Tobin previously served as principal of Westwood’s Martha Jones Elementary School. The superintendent plans to open the search for a new Sheehan School principal in mid-January, with a goal of deciding on a candidate in March 2026.
Light freezing rain, with a high of 39 and low of 25 degrees. Sunny during the morning, cloudy in the afternoon and evening, clear overnight.
The Select Board will never admit they were wrong, and thus, will press forward. And based on Town Council's very bad advice.
But what are friends for?
Circle the wagons...
Curious to learn if WEAC (or WWLT for that matter) compared / contrasted the environmental impacts of farming part of Clapboardtree Meadow against the environmental impacts of housing built on Bean Farm land when the farm ceases operations?
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