South Meadow School Assistant Principal Kelly Parker said for the nine years that she has held the position she has tried to build a family-like atmosphere between staff, students, and their families.
“I try to talk about it quite often,” Parker said about the importance of developing a strong community within the school. “Through the good and the bad, this is our home.”
She admits developing that relationship with more than 400 students, their families, and staff, is not always an easy goal to achieve.
But Parker’s steadfast efforts to develop a tight-knit community was recognized last week, when it was announced that she had been selected as the New Hampshire Assistant Principal of the Year for 2017. The honor is given out by the state’s Association of School Principals.
“I truly feel like she is so deserving of this honor,” said SMS Principal Anne O’Bryant, who nominated Parker for the award. “No one works harder or is more passionate about supporting the students.”
O’Bryant said Parker’s job is not always easy, citing that a portion of the work consists of confronting behavioral issues. When difficult situations arise, Parker said, she approaches the problem by obtaining all sides of the story and proceeding in a respectful manner.
“I always approach the situation with respect and dignity for everyone involved,” Parker said of those sit
She also places a concerted effort on small details that make a difference in the long run, such as learning every students name, greeting people as they walk in the door, engaging with the students as they transfer classes, and making it a point to say goodbye as they head out of school each day.
“I want to be a present,” Parker said. “I care about them and the school, and the staff and try to model good behavior.”
It’s work that is carried out every day and largely goes unrecognized, but on Thursday, Parker efforts were honored during a winter workshop luncheon in Meredith. SMS students and staff found out about the award during a regular all-school event called Puma Pride on Friday morning. Parker said there was a banner, balloons, flowers and cake during the school announcement. The event also coincided with her birthday, which made for an all out shower of love.
Parker said students came up to her in the hallway throughout the day on Friday to congratulate her on the award and many even took the time to write a card.
“The outpouring is really a testament to her work,” O’Bryant said of the response to the announcement. “Even the kids that she has disciplined came up and congratulated her.”
Peggy McAllister, executive director of the state’s Association of School Principals, said the process of being bequeathed with the honor is “quite a rigmarole.”
She said a committee receives nominations in the fall. From those applicants, the committee ask certain candidates to come in for an interview. Those who do well in the interview are selected for a school visit where committee members take a tour and talk with the people close with the person who is in the running.
Only one assistant principal is selected from all schools across the state, although runners up receive an role model award.
“This is really about them and not me,” Parker said on Friday of the staff and students. “Without them, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Abby Kessler can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 234 or akessler@ledgertranscript.com.