New Administrator Brings Change
By Kimberly Richmond
On top of getting a new principal, this year, Duval has also received many new administrators. Some students know administrators very well and others are still getting used to them. One new comer that most of the students have probably seen but do not know is Ms. Wilson. Ms. Wilson is ready to help Duval with a fresh new start.
Ms. Eileen S. Wilson comes to Duval from Fairfax County and is the 12th grade administrator. With an undergrad degree in Mathematics (7th-12th) and a Masters Degree from Virginia Tech in Administration (1st- 12th), Ms. Wilson was a former Math teacher at Herndon High School in Fairfax, Virginia and specialized in Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Calculus. She taught at Herndon High for six years and then decided to become a High School administrator.
"I wanted to be an administrator because I am able to work with all types of people involved in the daily operations of a school including the principal, students, and faculty. I want to make an impact working with everyone and make sure that my students are put first," says Ms. Wilson as she took a quick parent phone call. "When I was offered the position at Duval I saw it as a great opportunity. A new school system, new people, changes in climate, and a new experience. I'm here to be of help to everyone especially my seniors because they have to get their act together so that they can attend college, go out into the real world and become productive law-bidding citizens."
As I continued to talk to Ms. Wilson, I couldn't help but to notice how involved Ms. Wilson was with the senior class and the views and ideas that she has. "The seniors are the eldest and the most mature and are getting ready to step into the real world. Therefore I believe that they need all the help we as a school can give," she said. Ms. Wilson is working very closely with the senior counselor - Ms. Warrick - Bell and Mr. Blake (senior sponsor) to make sure that the seniors are on top of college and that they have a clear idea of what they want to do when they graduate.
She also wants to make sure that her seniors make a successful transition from high school to college. "Graduation can be stressful and I want to make sure that my seniors have all there requirements out of the way so that when May comes around they won't be scrambling to get in those last minute requirements," said Ms. Wilson.
Even though Ms. Wilson works with the senior class, she still looks upon the underclassmen. "If I see a student in the hallway doing something inappropriate whether they are a senior or not, I correct them. Most of the time they say 'You're not my administrator, you can't do anything' but, I just smile and say I'm everyone's administrator, and today I'm yours," said Ms. Wilson. "I strongly believe in being consistent and fair, and if any student wanted to categorize me I would want them to put me under fair and approachable.
Whitney Moton, a 12th grader said, "Ms. Wilson doesn't accept a lot of excuses especially from the seniors because we are the eldest and we should know better. Ms. Wilson is very approachable and seems to be organized. She fits with the rest of Administration and is what Duval needs." Mr. Miller says, "Ms. Wilson is very detail orientated and a positive force for our team. The students also respond well to her."
Ms. Wilson believes that there is a time to be serious and a time that you can relax for a moment and let your guard down. But with being new she has to be careful of that at first because students may take that as being a pushover. "When you're new everyone looks at you wondering what you're going to do, what you will accept, and what they can get away with, especially students. But I think that once I establish my ground and we reach a level of understanding they will be able to see that I have a humanistic side and that I'm here to insure that all students are in a learning environment conducive for learning, that students are here to learn and that students adhere to and follow rules and regulations so that Duval High School is a good school to be a part of. I'm so happy to be at Duval. I feel right at home, and like any home I'm ready to put in the work to build a strong family."
By Jennifer Partridge |
December 7, 2007; 2:51 PM ET
Next: Public Safety Officer of the Year
Posted by: Talbert Evans | December 7, 2007 03:07 PM
hey when ya'll gonna do one on me?
what's a guy gotta do around here?
I liked the post - saves paper- can you add photographs to enhance? keep looking to the new people here at Du Val. they are the ones bringing the excitement and challenges.
I think you need next to seek out Mrs. Taylor for educational views- she is the Asst. principal in charge.
I'm available if you want to start an athletic review- and then head to coaches and players.
remember two things-
1. we have more to do here then just repaint.
and
2. I wear my Du Val pride on my sleves everyday-
Franco-
Posted by: Franco- | December 7, 2007 03:34 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Good Job Ms. Partridge. You are an outstanding teacher who make learning fun for our students. After working in Washington for a number of years you could have gotten a job anywhere, but you chose to work with our students here at DuVal. I am greatful, and truely impressed with all you do.