By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Say hello to Jessie Groff, the incoming assistant principal of Roosevelt Elementary School for the upcoming school year.
Groff is a former Roosevelt student who graduated from Hays High School in 2007 with multiple master's degrees.
"I actually went to Roosevelt as an elementary student. It's kind of cool that I get to come back and be a leader here at the school," Groff said.
In 2010, Groff graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She then worked as a first-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary for 14 years.
She eventually transitioned to Roosevelt Elementary in a student support role, handling a variety of responsibilities, including reading intervention and behavior support.
She will officially begin as assistant principal on July 1 and looks forward to working alongside families, especially children.
"I'm excited to work and get to know all the students in our building... to be able to create those relationships with them," Groff said.
Groff said she went into education to make a difference in kids' lives and shifted toward administration to help effect broader changes in the school.
"I wanted to be able to not only stand up for my colleagues, but share ideas that could be at the table that's making changes for the district," she said.
Her top goals for her first year as assistant principal are to build trusting relationships, support students' academic and emotional growth, and enhance the school climate by promoting inclusion and equity.
"A positive school culture is one where every member of the community, students, staff and families feel valued," Groff said.