By Ed Pierce
Allison Hopkins loves what she does and despite having a lot on her plate, her top priority is to the students and families of Windham Primary School.
 |
| Allison Hopkins is the new Assistant Principal at Windham Primary School and works with students, teachers and families to support students academically, socially and behaviorally. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
“I work with students, teachers, and families to help support students academically, socially, and behaviorally,” Hopkins said. I also help to solve problems when concerns come up, support teachers, communicate with families, and help make sure the school is a safe and positive place for students and staff. A big part of my job is also just being present in the building and getting to know our students and staff.”
According to Hopkins, the best part of her new job with WPS is building relationships with those she works with.
“I really enjoy working with teachers and families to help students feel successful and enjoy coming to school,” she said. “I also love getting to know students and being someone that they feel comfortable going to when they need help or just need a familiar face.”
The most challenging aspect of her work involves managing her time.
“There are a lot of different needs happening at the same time, and sometimes you wish you could be in five places at once,” Hopkins said. “It can be challenging to balance everything and make sure everyone feels supported. At the same time, that’s also what makes the job interesting and rewarding.”
Originally from Lewiston, Hopkins attended the University of Southern Maine where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in a self-designed, science-focused major. She later earned a master’s degree in teaching and learning.
The assistant principal position at Windham Primary became available earlier this summer when longtime assistant principal Diana Jordan was named by the RSU 14 Board of Directors to serve as the new principal at Raymond Elementary School.
Hopkins applied and started work in August at WPS.
She has plenty of experience in education, having served in quite a few different roles.
“I’ve been a middle school science teacher, a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, an MTSS Coordinator, a Math Instructional Coach, an assistant principal, and a principal,” Hopkins said. “I think people sometimes think an assistant principal is mostly about discipline. That is certainly one part of the job, but there is so much more to it. A lot of my time is spent supporting teachers, working with families, problem-solving, and building relationships with students.”
She’s already making a difference at WPS.
“On the first day of school, I was able to help a second grader who was feeling nervous about coming into school,” Hopkins said. “It was a pretty small moment but I think it was the beginning of a relationship where that student knows there is a trusted adult in the building they can go to. Those are the moments that really stand out to me.”
There are a lot of little things that happen throughout the school day that Hopkins says people probably don’t realize are part of her job as assistant principal.
“Some days I’m helping a student, working with a teacher, talking with a parent, greeting kids at the door, or trying to solve something behind the scenes,” she said. “A lot of the job is just being available and helping wherever you’re needed.”
Hopkins is grateful for her family, who she says have always been supportive of her work as an educator.
“They know how much I enjoy working with kids and being part of a school community,” she said. “I think they like knowing that I’m doing something that I really care about.”
Even though Hopkins is new to Windham, she says that she’s already been reminded how important relationships are.
“Kids need to know that the adults in their school know them, care about them, and are there for them,” she said. “I think that’s true for adults, too. When people feel like they’re part of a team and that they’re supported, good things happen.” <
No comments:
Post a Comment