This interview with Principal Gavron was conducted by Alexis George
Q: What was your first reaction when you were told that Mr. Kavaleski was retiring?
A: I knew that his plan was only to stay for a year when I became vice principal. But he ended up staying for two, which helped me because this way I could get a better handle on being a principle.
Q: What did you expect on the first day?
A: The first day of my new job was the annual math institute and it took place here at the middle school. Since I was a math teacher for 14 years I basically taught math that day.
Q: What are the hardest and easiest parts of being the principal?
A: There are a lot of important parts and so many. There’s the vision piece, what do I envision for this school? What’s most important? There’s the lunch duty part where I have to make sure kids make the right choices and if there is incidents, fix them. Hiring teachers is always tricky, but I love cluster meetings where I get to bond with all of the teachers and kids.
Q: I understand you were a math teacher, did you teach any other subjects? And what did you like about being a math teacher?
A: I absolutely love teaching math! I love it when I see kids finally being able to understand a problem when it just clicks, you know that ah ha moment. I taught English in Vermont for a couple of years because I was able to get a job as an English teacher, but I love math though. As a principle I am still a teacher, I teach kids how to make decisions and how not to make the same mistakes.
Q: What made you want to be a math teacher?
A: Well in college I was going to school to be a Doctor but realized that teaching would be best for me. I was Councilors at camps in the summers and it made me realize that I would rather be with kids, plus I loved school and math on top of that so it just made sense.
Q: What did you want do as a kid?
A: As a kid I was always really social but I never pictured myself as a principal because I always got really nervous in front of a crowd. I pictured myself doing something involving sports or medicine, I was really into sports. I have always been a math and science kind of girl. I was least comfy with English though.
Q: What’s the funnest part of being principal?
A: Getting to know Ms. Brennan and being with all of you kids.
Q: Is there any advice you have for the middle schoolers?
A: Actually I do. This is such a neat time in your lives. You can try new clubs, or music groups. Find your passion, try new things. This is a time to take positive risks. This is a fun time in your lives.