Happy Principal Appreciation Day!

This year, on Principal Appreciation Day, let’s celebrate the principals and vice principals that make your schools and communities great. Some CEC members have shared what makes their principal or vice principal great. We are proud to welcome these wonderful leaders to CEC’s membership community.

Principal Joe Passatino

Nominated by Abigail Palmer

“Principal Joe Passantino is our school's biggest champion. Every day he shows up and fires up the staff and students with his positivity and enthusiasm for life and learning. Our students love coming to school because he creates a sense of belonging for them. Faculty and staff love coming to work. Our school is a special place because of his compassion and fearlessness. His impact on this school has changed not only the lives of the students but also the lives of anyone who steps on this campus.”

Vice Principal Kristen Ono

Nominated by Abigail Palmer

“VP Kristen Ono is a huge asset to our school. Her passion for animals and student learning fused together in her incredible project to bring therapy dogs on campus. Every Thursday, our school gets the opportunity to work with therapy dogs who come on to campus and work with students in counseling, reading intervention, and also social and emotional development. Kristen saw the need in our school and community and immediately went to work to create this life-changing program for our students.”

Vice Principal John Hamilton

Nominated by Abigail Palmer

“VP John Hamilton is such an incredible leader. Every week, he inspires the faculty to face challenges head-on with a positive attitude and also to always do what is best for our students. He carves out time to help students and staff and always brings such positivity to campus. He is all about the teacher's voice and we are so lucky to have that opportunity to incorporate our ideas in school policies and procedures. He has truly made this campus a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.”

Assistant Principal Emily Bryant

Nominated by Dr. Cindy Felkins

“It truly takes a village when supporting the needs of all students and staff in our district, and I am more than grateful for these individuals. One of the administrators I have the distinct pleasure of working with very frequently is Mrs. Emily Bryant. Emily is an assistant principal at Bleckley Primary and Pre-K Director (which also houses our Project Step Program for 3 and 4-year-olds with disabilities) for our district. She is a hard-working, conscientious, dedicated individual who always puts children and families first while continually supporting the needs of our staff. We have had such an uptick in students with disabilities with three-year-olds and primary students in recent years, and Emily has been an integral part in making sure these students and families are served appropriately. There is no way that I can attend all of the initial meetings at the primary level even though I would like; however, I feel comforted in knowing that Emily is there supporting these families. She and I talk daily and are always on the same page when it comes to serving our students. I appreciate her willingness to think outside the box and get creative at times, which we all have to do as directors and admin! Emily knows how important special education is to me and our SPED family across the district, and she is dedicated to making sure families understand the process. She helps provide a level of comfort when meeting with families about special education services for the first time because she understands it can be daunting and confusing information for many. Emily goes the extra mile to clarify information and lessen any confusion. It is a joy to work with Emily, and I am truly thankful for her support day in and day out as we navigate the waters of special education.”

Principal Angie Jureka

Nominated by Rebecca Czubakowski

“My principal, Mrs. Jureka, has made sure that our middle school  has the tools to get all special education students to be able to grow  just like the general education students.  She will assist on whatever is needed around the school and community. Mrs. Jureka always has a positive attitude at all times.   She is always there before the students and never leaves until work is done. She deserves to be nominated for this honor. Mrs. Jureka is a ROCK STAR!!!”

Principal Abby Thompson

Nominated by Janine Addis

“I have two of the most amazing administrators in my building. I can't even begin, except to say that they care deeply about kids.

 I had an 8th grader who was an awesome kid but had very prominent teeth. I know it had been a cause for bullying in the past. He lived with his grandparents as his mother passed away several years ago. Money was tight. My principal took the time, contacted an orthodontist in our area and ended up with this young man being provided with free orthodontic care.”

Principal Dennis McMillin

Nominated by Jessica Bickford

“Our principal, Dennis McMillin, has literally put the students before himself, and is a hero! There was a gas leak at the school, but no one knew. Kids and teachers were coming to the nurse's office, nauseous and with headaches. Mr. McMillin was not sure what was going on, but he felt that something just wasn't right. Trusting his gut, he called for a full school evacuation and stayed until the last student/staff member was out. He suffered a permanent brain injury to save so many lives!”

Principal Wendy Gerry

Nominated by Kristina Tull

“Principal Wendy Gerry is redesigning education at Pembroke Hill School. She has spearheaded a mission that focuses on every child deserving access to grade level curriculum. Wendy works tirelessly every day to support students and staff in a unified from to do what is right for all students. She is a respectable leader that is a team player and really supports students with special needs in the general education classroom. Wendy is a tremendous asset to Pembroke children.”

Principal Dennis McMillin

Nominated by Kristina Tull

“Our principal, Dennis McMillin, has literally put the students before himself, and is a hero! There was a gas leak at the school, but no one knew. Kids and teachers were coming to the nurse's office, nauseous and with headaches. Mr. McMillin was not sure what was going on, but he felt that something just wasn't right. Trusting his gut, he called for a full school evacuation and stayed until the last student/staff member was out. He suffered a permanent brain injury to save so many lives!”

Principal Maria Correa

Nominated by Melissa Cortez

“Maria Correa, Heritage Academy Principal, cares passionately about student achievement and building positive relationships. She leads activities prioritizing high-quality instruction and often spends time developing a rapport with students with disabilities. She believes all children, regardless of their disability, should be loved and accepted. Her instructional leadership and inspiring connections with students build a stronger community. Maria Correa is an excellent principal.”

Assistant Principal Brittany O’Rourke

Nominated by Anna Wetzel

“My assistant, principal, Brittany, has never stopped believing in me, even when I did not believe in myself. My first year in the classroom, she was another classroom, teacher, and frequently opened her classroom to me for learning opportunities. Before or after school, she is an unwavering support system. She sees me as not only a professional, but a friend, and advocates for me regularly. A fierce advocate for all her students, she brings the same value in ensuring her staff feel supported.”

Principal Amy Rogers

Nominated by Kimberly McEwen

“Our principal Amy Rogers goes out of her way 100% of the time to make sure every staff member is covered if any life or work struggles come up. There has never been a day when I have not seen Amy helping in some way, whether covering for an absent DJ at a school event or cleaning up a child after getting sick. Amy is on every committee at Torrant. She also does charity work, fundraisers, 5K runs, and other outside-of-work awareness to Autism events. Amy Rogers is a role model for us all!”

Assistant Principal Strawn Holmes

Nominated by Therea Copple

“Strawn Holmes took time out of his busy schedule in order to mentor me as I prepare for the CPACE Performance testing. He reviewed observational strategies, state guidelines and administrative tips of the trade. His insight was extremely beneficial in my studies. He is an administrator who has the children's success and well-being as the central focus in all that he does. He pays it forward on a daily basis. Thank you, Brother Holmes for your heart of servant leadership!”

Principal Jerry Standifer

Nominated by Amy Braddock

“Mr. Standifer is a steadfast advocate for exceptional learners. He goes above and beyond the call of duty in being knowledgable about special education law, working to provide necessary resources to support student success, and making every effort to support parents through the IEP process. Mr. Standifer as attended special education law conferences and CEC convention, a lifelong learner in understanding what is current in the field and best practice for our learners.”

Thank you, principals, assistant principals, and vice principals!