New principals at Higley schools
Emily Gersema and Marissa Belles over at the Arizona Republic published a useful bio piece on some of the new HUSD principals. See the relevant parts below:
DEBBIE YBARRA
School: Centennial Elementary.Teaching Experience: Eight years, 6th grade for five years and language arts 7th and 8th grade for three.
Years at Higley: Her first.
What makes a good principal: “Being caring, dedicated and committed.”
Philosophy to live by: “A smile goes a long way, why not give one away.”
CORT MONROE
School: Cortina Elementary.
Teaching Experience: I have worked in the field of public education since 1994. My experiences have taken me from educational opportunities inCalifornia,UtahandArizona. I have been a classroom teacher in grades 3 & 6, a 1stgrade Instructional Aide, part - time faculty at theUniversityofPhoenixand an Instructor of Adult English Language Learners.
Years at Higley: His first.
What makes a good principal?: “Have a vision of a great school and the diligence to work toward it. That vision helps you to love the students, ensure their safety, provide a curriculum of rigor and relevance and make parents proud of your school. Another characteristic required of a good principal is the ability to relate and work with others. Daily you interact with students, staff and parents and those interpersonal skills are really what makes the difference in people’s lives. The idea of establishing a school community founded on relationships of trust, teamwork and professionalism is also pivotal in the success of the school for students, staff and parents.”
Philosophy to live by: “People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care.”
DAWNE TURCOTTE
School: Power Ranch Elementary.
Teaching Experience: Started in 1993 and has taught biology, chemistry at various times in two school districts and the East Valley Institute of Technology before landing at Higley High.
Years at Higley: Five.
What makes a good principal: “Be in the processes, the learning, the supporting, and teaching on a daily basis supporting student achievement. The trench is where the foundation is laid. Collectively we can build a kingdom.”
Philosophy to live by: “To set high achievable expectations, develop collaborative relationships with students and teachers to create a community of respect and value for purposeful learning.”
SUSAN POWELL
School: Gateway Pointe Elementary.
Teaching Experience: Taught six years in Indiana and was a principal in Mesa school district the past 11 years.
Years at Higley: Her first.
What makes a good principal: “A good principal needs to have excellent people skills, communicate well, be dedicated to learning the community and be sensitive to their needs, have a strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessments, and have a good sense of humor.”
Philosophy to live by: “No matter how good you are, you can always improve.”
