Bulldog Blast from Assistant Principal
Bulldog Families,
I have to take some time to brag on my AMAZING administrators during National Assistant Principals Week!
Our 9th grade Assistant Principal, Mrs. Hardy, came to us as a former high school counselor at ZHS. I had the honor of hiring her several years ago when I was an Assistant Principal at ZHS and she was a brand new counselor. Her leadership growth over the years has been instrumental in preparing her to take on her own cohort of students along with the English Department. Mrs. Hardy is our adult flower child. She loves her daily nap after work, watching otters play, doing yoga, and traveling to some really awesome places. Her and her husband, Ryan, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their baby boy in June! Baby boy Hardy will join his fur siblings, Minnie and Dobby.
Our 10th grade Assistant Principal, Mr. McKinney, came to us as a former behavior specialist and ESE teacher. I worked with Mr. McKinney many moons ago at the old Achieve Center of Pasco where I was an instructional coach and he was a behavior specialist. His passion for reaching all students is immeasurable! He came in and has worked tirelessly to get his cohort of students on track all while supervising the Science Department. Mr. McKinney is the jokester of our group (although it's a close competition between all of us). Whether he is serenading the staff over the PA system on Fridays or dancing in the bus loop before dawn to allow only buses and staff to enter, there is always something to laugh about with him!
Our 11th grade Assistant Principal, Mrs. Wasilewski, came to us as a former Assistant Principal in New York after teaching Physical Education for several years. She has successfully graduated two cohorts of students at ZHS and works incredibly hard to ensure students meet their requirements. She is an outstanding leader for our Social Studies Department and is always looking for ways to enhance her team. We affectionately call her a hummingbird because she is constantly moving, never in one place for very long, and probably covers at least 10 miles per day around the school. Not only that, but she coaches CrossFit! Mrs. Wasilewski loves dramatic readings, going hiking in the woods, buying doughnuts, and racing the golf cart.
Our 12th grade Assistant Principal, Dr. Yonkof, came to us as a former Assistant Principal at Sunlake High School and Pasco High School after teaching Math for several years. She has successfully graduated four cohorts of students over her tenure and is wrapping up her current cohort beautifully all while supervising the Math and ESE departments. Dr. Yonkof loves all things squirrels, being a dog mom, funny hats and costumes, reenactments of stories, and making sure she has at least 150 tabs open on her computer at all times.
I could not survive without this team of educators. As a new principal, the learning curve is steep, coupled with making necessary changes for the betterment of the school, and these people have supported me every step of the way! Show them some love this week!
Always remember that Bulldogs Bark!
Bulldogs are:
B - Brave (brave enough to always do what is right, not necessarily easy)
A - Academically Engaged (focused on learning and making progress)
R - Responsible (taking accountability and making good choices)
K - Kind (just be nice!)
Proud Principal,
Amanda McCoy, Ed.S.
cCoy, Ed.S.
