Summer Thompson, Johnson Elementary School
Summer Thompson, Assistant Principal, Johnson Elementary School
What has been the most challenging aspect of becoming an administrator?
The most challenging aspect of moving into an administrative role is finding balance. Evaluating and structuring programs and personnel to balance and achieve our short-term and long-term goals and needs at Johnson, as well as managing my time appropriately to balance my work and home life have been challenging but exhilarating.
In what new ways do you support student learning?
We continue to focus on providing students with learning opportunities that assist them in developing deep conceptual understanding of content as well as 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, all while integrating the wonderful technology that CCS provides, so that our students are well-prepared for the world beyond Johnson!
What are you doing to engage the community at your school?
Our school motto is “We Are Family,” and we live by that! To that end, you may find me stopping by a gas station where a student’s mom works, going on home visits, and attending basketball games to engage with our families out in the community.
Our school motto is “We Are Family,” and we live by that! To that end, you may find me stopping by a gas station where a student’s mom works, going on home visits, and attending basketball games to engage with our families out in the community.
How will you respect your school’s history and culture while making the decisions necessary to educate young people for their future?
Johnson has a rich history and culture in which students are met where they are and encouraged and supported as they reach greater heights. As we make decisions about how to best support our current students, we honor that rich tradition.
For the next few weeks, to learn about the transition out of the classroom, Charlottesville Tomorrow’s Meet Your Educator profiles will feature new administrators.