13 Jun 2005
Henderson Has Served the District for 34 Years
DALLAS–Olivia Henderson was named 2005-2006 Dallas Independent School District Principal of the Year during a luncheon held Monday, June 13.
Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and Clarence Anderson, vice president-AXA-Advisors, the event's sponsor, presented Henderson a check for $3,000.
Henderson is the principal of Stonewall Jackson Elementary School and has served at that school for the past 14 years. She has 34 years of experience in education. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 from Texas Woman's University, Henderson began teaching special education at William B. Carrell Elementary School.
Throughout the years, Henderson continued her higher education and achieved a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in 1975 and in 1986 she obtained Mid-Management Certification from East Texas State University.
Nominators describe Henderson as "a principal who possesses all of the attributes of an outstanding leader." Fellow educators agree that "she embodies all of the qualities required to lead others – integrity, trust, strong communications skills, and an in depth knowledge of curriculum."
Under her leadership, the United States Department of Education recognized Stonewall Jackson Elementary as a Blue Ribbon school.
To improve learning, Henderson established Saturday school. Students who are in need of extra help are invited to come on Saturdays to receive tutoring in a small group setting. She also instituted after-school tutoring as well as providing a mentoring program for children in need of additional emotional support. Henderson is an active supporter of the school's after-school childcare program that provides a safe environment for students whose parents work.
"The role of a principal is complex," said Henderson. "Each day presents new situations. Within an hour I might be a custodian, nurse, teacher, counselor. Sometimes I have to be direct; sometimes I have to counsel; I often advise and many times just listen. I try to treat each individual as the most important person to me at the time."
Her dedication is noticed and appreciated by her staff and students. As one student said, "I love our principal. She always says, 'Hi' and knows my name."
The DISD Principal of the Year is chosen from among the Area Principals of the Year on the basis of their essay packets and personal interviews for leadership, management, relationship and community and parent involvement skills. The selection committee is composed of parent and community representatives, administrators, the Principal of the Year, the Teacher of the Year, and a student who is a member of the Teen School Board.
Finalists for this year's award were:
• Renita "Janie" Baker – Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School
• Earl Jones – Lincoln Humanities/Communications Magnet
• Robert Giesler – Magnet Center for Public Service: Government,
Law and Law Enforcement
• Rodney Cooksy – Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary School
• Evangelina Kircher – Thomas J. Rusk Middle School
• Harnell Williams – Lisbon Elementary School
• Jean McGill – Nathan Adams Elementary School
Each of the seven finalists received an award of $250.