October marks the celebration of a special group of leaders in the Hamilton Heights community – school principals. These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in shaping students’ futures and the trajectory of the Heights education system.
This month-long celebration is an opportunity to recognize and thank the principals of Hamilton Heights for their unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and remarkable impact on student success.
The Heights community is taking the opportunity to share an up-close look at the extraordinary individuals serving at the helm of Hamilton Heights Middle School.
Thank you, Principal Bret Bailey and Assistant Principal Jill Landers for setting high expectations for students and educators. In their roles, they have shaped the conditions for Heights teachers and students to learn and succeed. The Heights community is forever grateful for their impact. #ThankAPrincipal #WeAreHuskies
Bailey
Bret Bailey
Principal
Q: Why did you want to become a principal?
A: I loved being an English teacher. There’s nothing like the impact teachers can make through having positive relationships with students and working together each day. I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave that environment. However, I became a principal so that I could serve all students and staff beyond the four walls of my own room. I’m now able to make a difference for all students, teachers, staff, and families at HHMS. It’s has been an amazing opportunity to serve as the principal at HHMS over the last nine years.
Q: What is your end goal in your role?
A: My goal is to help all students become the best version of themselves and support teachers so that they can focus on accomplishing their dream of being the best teacher possible for their students. If I can create and nurture a positive environment and collaborative culture that serves students, staff, and families, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose as a leader at HHMS.
Q: What are some of the other hats you wear in your role that people may not know?
A: I direct traffic, pick up trash, provide emotional support and counseling, find cafeteria trays throughout the building and return them to the kitchen, and resolve conflicts.
Q: What gets you motivated and out of bed each day?
A: Supporting, encouraging, and loving my family is my priority in life. Making a difference for students and team members is what motivates me in my career. Middle School is such a powerfully formative time for students. So much is changing in their lives during young adolescence. They really start to figure out who they are, what they want to do, what they are interested in, and how they relate to others during these extremely formative years. If we do our jobs well during each school year, we help our HHMS Huskies navigate these changes and challenges with confidence, joy, and curiosity. Our goal is to see each student actively pursue their fullest potential. That’s what gets me out of bed for work each morning.
Q: What is at least one attribute that makes you successful in your role?
A: I sincerely listen to our team and approach challenges with curiosity.
Landers
Jill Landers
Assistant Principal
Q: Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
A: I love working with students and teachers. Everyone has something to learn and ways to improve. I want to support both students and staff as they aspire to be their best!
Q: What is your end goal in your role?
A: My end goal in my role is pursuing our best. A big part of that is learning, but there are a lot of things in life that can make school feel like it’s on the back burner, so I want to help students get to a place where they make healthy choices and reach their potential. When we take care of ourselves, we can help take care of people around us … and that’s good for everyone.
Q: What are some of the other hats you wear in your role that people may not know?
A: I love to be a sounding board for others – students, staff, and admin. Sometimes talking through our experiences and thoughts can bring a fresh perspective, and I enjoy doing that with others. I also love getting input from others, and I ask for advice all the time!
Q: What gets you motivated and out of bed each day?
A: I want to help people. I want to find solutions. I know that’s easier said than done, but there is usually at least *something* we can do to move in the right direction. I’m motivated to get to work to be with people I value and respect and ENJOY being with! Working on finding solutions together is fun *and* productive.
Q: What is at least one attribute that makes you successful in your role?
A: It’s very easy to feel overwhelmed (for anyone – student, staff, admin, etc.), so I really focus my mindset on just accomplishing one thing at a time. When I’m feeling like I can’t keep up with all I need to do, I just pick something on my list and do it (even if it’s “out of order”). When that’s done, I focus on something else. I know it sounds so obvious, but focusing on one thing allows me to not *feel* overwhelmed. Spreadsheets also help, and I take lots of notes because I can’t remember everything!