This week we are spotlighting Ponitz Principal Melinda Clark! Principal Clark has been with the district for 11 years and has been in her current role for two.

The best part about her job is watching students succeed and witnessing the joy on a teacher’s face when their students are learning.

The most rewarding part of this unconventional school year has been watching how much students have grown since returning to in-person learning, and seeing their faces light up when they are in a physical classroom with their teachers and peers.

Her biggest goal for the remainder of the year is continued perseverance.

“We have all persevered through this pandemic for the past 13 months,” she said. “It has been challenging — personally, socially, emotionally and academically. I know with the support of everyone around us, we can all be successful, so I would like us to continue to persevere through the end of the year, and work together to grow academically and reconnect.”

She said she is proud of staff for their flexibility and communication this year, which has allowed them to continue to provide the best service possible to families. In addition, staff have worked tirelessly to adapt to instructional models and implement strategies that ensure students are connected and learning.

Principal Clark also noted that she is proud and honored to serve the families, students and staff of Ponitz.

“It puts a smile on my face every day to see them be successful, earning their credentials, learning their content, chipping in to help each other, and truly becoming the “Ponitz family,'” she said.

Thank you for all you do to help students succeed!

Who should be featured in our next Hidden Hero Spotlight? Nominate staff members or departments here: bit.ly/HiddenHeroSpotlight