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 Elementary School.
Thank you, Principal Julie Griffey and Assistant Principal Ken Watson 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
Griffey
Julie Griffey
Principal
Q: Why did you want to become a principal or assistant principal?
A: I loved being a classroom teacher. There is no greater thing than teaching a student to read or emotionally regulate at school. I stepped out of the classroom role to coach classroom teachers and lead professional development for administrator learning. Then, I caught the big picture bug of seeing the power of a large group growing together to create better student outcomes! That led me to becoming an assistant principal and later a principal. Every day I get to grow my servant leadership with students, parents, teachers, and community. I am proud that I was raised as a Husky and get to make a difference in my community.
Q: What is your end goal in your role?
A: To help our Hamilton Heights Little Huskies become the very best version of themselves both academically and socially-emotionally as they prepare for middle school and high school. To support my HHES staff in helping students learn and grow.
Q: What are some of the other hats you wear in your role that people may not know?
A: I will wear any hat that my students, teachers, and parents need me to wear. I also facilitate the New Teacher Learning Academy for our New Teachers across all three buildings. I love making connections with our newest Huskies!
Q: What gets you motivated and out of bed each day?
A: Knowing that I will have opportunities to help my HHES students and staff. My role is special because I get to see all the amazing things staff is doing to help HHES students be successful.
Q: What is at least one attribute that makes you successful in your role?
A: My passion for believing that all students can learn and knowing that is just does not happen in the same way or time for all students. Also, my time as a classroom teacher. Fourteen years on the front lines. I love that I get the opportunity to build into the community that I grew up in every day!
Watson
Ken Watson
Assistant Principal
Q: Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
A: After teaching for 18 years at Hamilton Heights Elementary in grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, I was looking for a new experience and a new challenge. I knew I wanted to continue to work with students and help them continue to learn and grow. When I heard that we were going to have an opening for an elementary assistant principal I jumped at the opportunity to apply for the position. The past 13 years as an administrator has given me many opportunities to work with our staff to help make the elementary an awesome place for students.
Q: What is your end goal in your role?
A: One of my goals was to bring continuity and consistency to the administration position at the elementary school. As with any endeavor, my end goal was to leave Hamilton Heights Elementary School in a better place than it was when I found it.
Q: What are some of the other hats you wear in your role that people may not know?
A: I’m an assistant principal but I’m also a friend, father, coach, cheerleader, referee, and counselor. I’ve coached several sports and athletes over the years. Even though I no longer coach here at HHSC, I’m currently coaching my son’s 17U travel baseball team.
Q: What gets you motivated and out of bed each day?
A: I’m excited by all the wonderful things going on at Hamilton Heights Elementary School. I love the interactions that I get to have with students, parents, and staff.
Q: What is at least one attribute that makes you successful in your role?
A: I’m pretty good with my organization and time management skills. I’m also pretty good at giving hugs!