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Q&A with GES principal Yvonne Reyes
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Posted on Sep 30 2008
[B]Question: How long have you been a principal?
[B]Q: What is a typical day like for you?
Answer:[/B] Six years at Garapan Elementary. I’ve been in the system since 1993. I’ve been a teacher’s aide, 3rd grade teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal.
A:[/B] A typical morning is trying to get through paperwork. With the support staff I have, it’s pretty easy to be able to handle everything operationally. My life is pretty boring as a principal
[B]Q: What is the best thing about being a principal?A:[/B] I still feel like I’m a novice, and my heart is still in the classroom. In the classroom you get to know the kids and fall in love with them. As an administrator, I get to meet the families and get a picture of what the students’ needs are because I’m able to get to know the people that live with them. The best thing is the staff. I’ve been very lucky. They work very well together. They are very serious and committed to the kids. When we need to, we pull together. I think you have to do that with a big school. We really are united.
[B]Q: What’s the hardest thing about being a principal?A:[/B] Dealing with budget issues, trying to get our government to understand the investment of education. We’re making strides. We’re raising test scores and students are graduating and going to college, so we’re doing something right. We need support from the local government. The support we need is not only financially, but it’s a morale issue. It’s a little bit embarrassing to know we’re so well funded federally. There are computers, technology, Internet, but kids are sitting in dilapidated buildings with no air conditioners working and desks falling apart. There’s no balance. I wish they had the same kind of pride we did.
[B][B]Q: What are your goals for the year?A:[/B][/B] I really want to be able to build a playground for the kids and to get another kindergarten teacher. It’s crucial to kids get in there [kindergarten] before going to first grade. Even if they can’t read, they have at least picked up a book.
