Throughout the month, HPISD will feature stories from each campus principal, to gain insight into what makes them effective leaders. HPISD invites the community to join us in celebrating our eight campus leaders:
- Betsy Cummins, Armstrong
- Amanda Reyes, Boone
- Regina Dumar, Bradfield
- Debbie Burt, Hyer
- Candi Judd, University Park
- Dr. Skip Moran, MIS
- Dr. Kevin Hunt, HPMS
- Jeremy Gilbert, HPHS
Principals featured thus far during the month of October include:
Highland Park High School Principal Jeremy Gilbert
HPHS Principal Jeremy Gilbert makes a concerted effort to be present for every student, every day. In his 21 years as a school administrator, Gilbert has made a point to greet students as they enter the school to help set a positive tone for students as they begin their day of learning.
Gilbert believes that it is important for administrators to be around the students they serve. By visiting classrooms, attending student events and talking with students in the cafeteria during lunch, he is better equipped to help meet the needs of students and the campus community. Gilbert says, “I have a goal that every day, every Scot will see me in some shape or form, whether it's in the cafeteria, a classroom, or at a student event. I strive to make connections with students.”
Principal Gilbert attributes the success of his students to the skilled educators at HPHS. He reflects, “It is easy to celebrate achievements such as the Lone Star Cup or winning a state championship. However, it is when our staff overcomes unique challenges that makes me the proudest.” It is important for Gilbert’s teachers and staff to succeed together and even more important that they stick together when times get tough.
HPHS has had an intentional focus on student engagement this year. The entire staff works collectively to ensure that students experience success academically while also building friendships. “My hope is that when I come into a class I see kids that are not only engaged with their teacher but also their classmates,” Gilbert said. “A successful school year for me is when students are excelling academically, but we also want to make sure that they feel loved and are part of their school community.”
Highland Park Middle School Principal Dr. Kevin Hunt
For HPMS Principal Dr. Kevin Hunt, one of his favorite things about being a principal is that no two days are ever the same. He says, “I loved being a teacher, so my favorite part of the job as a principal is being in classrooms and watching students learn.”
New to HPMS, Dr. Hunt notes how welcoming students and staff have been. One of the most important parts of his role is working with teachers. As a campus leader, he is invested in the professional learning and success of every teacher and staff member. He believes that it is crucial for principals to support teachers, remove barriers, help solve problems and work collaboratively with teacher teams.
The Raider team makes Dr. Hunt proud every day. Reflecting on recent moments of success he says, “I was extremely proud of a team of teachers who came together to help a student who was struggling. One of our collective commitments at HPMS is to never give up on any student or family.” His team was able to go above and beyond for a student in need. "To see that student overcome a particular challenge through the support from our staff made me proud to be an Raider."
Every day Dr. Hunt looks to fulfill the HPMS mission, “To ensure high levels of learning and personal growth for all Raiders in and beyond the classroom.” He believes the success of the campus is measured by helping every student achieve at high levels and to grow personally and academically. Dr. Hunt says, “When our students are engaged at school and connected on a number of levels, they are happy at school and they learn more. That is success!”
McCulloch Intermediate Principal Dr. Skip Moran
MIS Principal Dr. Skip Moran leads a campus that is uniquely positioned to serve the specific needs of fifth and sixth-grade students. The staff’s mission-driven focus on serving students is something Dr. Moran takes pride in recognizing. He regularly visits classrooms and is always excited to see students engaged in high-level learning thanks to the leadership of the school’s teachers. Dr. Moran says exemplary results help measure campus success. “We are successful when students are academically, socially, emotionally and physically prepared for the challenges and opportunities that life brings," Moran said. "It is also rewarding to see MIS students demonstrate strong character and service to others that will foster future success."
Dr. Moran also believes that by building a culture of kindness and respect, teachers and staff are equipping students with the necessary tools to be successful in the future. “It is important for students at this age to feel connected to and included in their school community. Each day, I see students on the playground, in the cafeteria and in the hallways making new friends and building relationships.”
University Park Elementary Principal Candi Judd
One of the many ways principals serve their schools is by supporting campus staff to empower them to accomplish instructional goals and help students achieve success. One of Judd's proudest moments with her staff was during this year's HPISD convocation. “The teachers and staff at UP go above and beyond for Every Student, Every Day," said Judd. "Seeing everyone bond during Convocation in something as simple as a relay race helped get our campus off to a great start this school year.” Judd believes staff camaraderie is an important component of building a school environment that fosters students' academic and social growth. Judd works closely with parents, faculty and staff to create a safe and nurturing environment.
Hyer Elementary Principal Debbie Burt
The long-standing tradition of excellence at Hyer Elementary to meet students’ academic and developmental needs is always at the forefront of Principal Debbie Burt’s mind.
As the school's instructional leader, Burt places great emphasis on holding instructional planning meetings with teachers. It is rare that you will find Burt in her office.
“Visiting classrooms regularly, greeting students and families in the morning and assisting with cafeteria duty help me better understand student needs and how I can support staff as we work together to meet those needs,” Burt says. Parent communication is also a top priority for Burt. “Parental involvement and support are crucial to the success of each and every student, and the amount of time and dedication our school receives from parents is truly appreciated.”
Bradfield Elementary Principal Regina Dumar
Bradfield Principal Regina Dumar leads her campus with a kind and caring demeanor that inspires students and teachers to achieve their full potential. She works tirelessly to provide a structured environment in which students can grow academically, socially and emotionally. As students progress along their academic journey, the campus emphasizes the importance of developing positive character traits.
Dumar believes that, "It's okay not to know something, but it's not okay not to try." She says, "It is critical for students to learn this from the adults on campus. We learn by trying new things.” Bradfield creates an environment in which teachers can also learn from their students. Understanding a student's point of view enables educators to meet specific student needs and ensure their success.
Dumar's enthusiasm for her campus can be seen every morning as she greets students as they enter the campus. During her BBTV announcements, Dumar's tagline "It's a Great Day to Have a Great Day" echoes throughout campus. It is a sentiment that creates a positive outlook for students and staff as they begin each day.
Boone Elementary Principal Amanda Reyes
Principal Reyes says success can be measured every day by the energy and attitude on the campus. "When I see students who are happy, working hard, and excited about their learning, that feels like success," Reyes said. "When parents are volunteering and supporting our school simply because they want their children and their teachers to have the best opportunities possible, that feels like success. When our staff is working so hard, both on their own and collaboratively, in order to provide the most amazing learning experiences, keeping each individual student in mind, that feels like success." Reyes' leadership style demonstrates that collaboration is key to the success of Boone.
Armstrong Elementary Principal Betsy Cummins
Armstrong Principal Betsy Cummins begins each day by greeting children and families at the front door of her campus. Her goal is to provide students with a warm smile in the morning to help start the day on a positive note. Cummins meets with her grade-level teams throughout the day to discuss student data, performance and how to help every student at Armstrong. “We remain flexible and open to new ideas so that we can build upon our successes," she said. "By communicating our why and next steps, we are able to partner with families to keep student needs as our top priority.”
Her core strategy is to be present in as many classrooms as possible. Cummins said, “Students are engaged in various activities throughout the day, and it fills my heart to see students working with each other and with their teachers in meaningful ways that extend their learning." She believes that a school’s greatest strength can be found in its ability to collaborate, “We are all in this together, and teamwork truly makes the dreamwork here at Armstrong.”