Hello!  My name is Benjamin LaConner and I am the principal of Samuelson Elementary.  I love being part of the Samuelson community due to our student-centered practices, dedicated families, and committed staff.  We are proud to teach a diverse group of students and we believe that this diversity makes our community stronger and improves the learning that happens in our building.  I enjoy working with our partner schools in the Hoover-Meredith feeder-pattern and throughout DMPS to meet the ambitious goals that we have for our students.

I hold Master’s degrees from The City University of Seattle and Northwestern College.  I’m passionate about providing holistic supports and making school systems meet student needs.  It’s important to me to create meaningful connections with students, families, staff, and community members.  I love that Samuelson is a neighborhood school and I want to continue to build on this strength.

Personally, I live in the Drake neighborhood with my wife, Kristina.  We like to bike, read, and spend time with our extended family.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can support you in any way.  Welcome to Samuelson!

Hello! My name is Amy Wiegmann and I am the Associate Principal at Samuelson. This will be my 7^th year at Samuelson and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of the students and families over the years! I have been with Des Moines Public Schools for 31 years. A little bit about myself: I have a husband named Jake, three sons and four grandchildren. I have a dog named Duke. I love to work in my flower gardens and watch my koi fish in the pond. If you ever need anything, just reach out. I am here for you!