First of all, I would like to welcome all of the Jefferson Davis Middle School family to the 2011 - 2012 school year.  As principal, I look forward to serving all of the wonderful students, parents, teachers and staff members that have worked hard to make our school such a successful place.  It has been my experience that when an entire school community works toward common goals great things happen.  Our goal is to challenge our students intellectually, provide positive social experiences, and introduce students to post-secondary requirements; as we strive to promote a college-going culture in all aspects of the educational experiences.   Let me take the opportunity to congratulate all of our teachers and students for their hard-work and dedication during the 2010-2011 academic year.  Our school increased in the number of points earned on the 2011 FCAT from 485 to 497; missing the B grade by 3 points.  Based on these common goals we have established a theme for this school year: “Where we are B-coming A College-going Culture!”    

  My personal life experiences have played a huge part in preparing me for the task of leading our great school.  Ironically, I started my career in public education in a different capacity serving the needs of students.  Inspired by some of the great teachers I served, I took a leave of absence and enrolled in college courses.  Although working part-time, attending college, and raising two daughters, I was able to accomplish my goals of earning a college degree in psychology and exceptional student education. 

  Knowing that I wanted to help build world-class schools, I continued my education with a degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern and became an Assistant Principal within four years of becoming a teacher.  In my new role as an instructional leader of an urban campus I was thrilled to see that our school experienced tremendous academic gains.  These gains would not have been realized without every student, parent and teacher working together. One of the most exciting aspects of public education is the great relationships that are built through our work of helping others.  I look forward to working with all of you to make our school a place where every child experiences success.