30 May 2008
She Has Been a Dallas ISD Educator for 31 Years
DALLAS–Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa announced today that Regina Jones, principal at South Oak Cliff High School, is the Dallas Independent School District 2008–2009 Principal of the Year during a luncheon for all district principals, at the Renaissance Hotel.
Jones received a $2,500 check from Jonathan Kirby, western division of AXA Advisors, vice president, sponsor of the Principal of the Year Program for the past six years.
After achieving her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Texas A&M Commerce University in 1977, Jones taught in Dallas ISD for 17 years. She received a Master of Educational Degree in 1993, also from Texas A&M Commerce University. In 1996 Jones obtained her first position as a school administrator at South Oak Cliff High School, where she was an associate principal for four years. She later became an associate principal at David W. Carter High School, then principal at Maynard H. Jackson Vanguard, and from 2004 to 2006 she was the principal at William Hawley Atwell Law Academy, which earned an Exemplary rating during her principalship. Jones has been the principal at South Oak Cliff High School for the past two years.
Jones' team at South Oak Cliff High School recognizes how hard she has worked to improve the school's academic level. "Our principal took the risk of assuming the leadership of a low-performing school," said a staff member. "She believed in her heart that she could restore our confidence, self-esteem and reputation, and is determined to do what is best for the school. Under her leadership the school's math scores have improved 10% overall. Also, this year our school was listed in The Texas Monthly as one of the '100 Best Public Schools in Texas' and received the 'Gold Performance Acknowledgment for Recommended High School Program.' Our principal has taken a school that felt hopeless and transformed it into a positive, nurturing environment by setting a positive tone and dispelling negativity."
Some of the successful programs that Jones has implemented at South Oak Cliff High School include the TAKS camps on early-release days, in which the students get prepared for the test through fun and productive activities such as "Who Wants to be a Physics Millionaire?" and "Geometry Jeopardy." The tardy rate has dropped dramatically at the school thanks to the implementation of the "Start on Time" program. The parent academies, meet the teacher night, and Saturday school, including English classes for Spanish-speaking parents, are programs that have not only been beneficial to the parents, but they have also strengthened the school's relationship with parents engaging their support to improve student achievement.
The personnel at South Oak Cliff High School believe that one of Jones' strengths is her relationship skills. They say she not only built a team with her staff, but also a family, and revived everyone's spirit at the school, with the "little things" that she does, as her staff calls them. Jones recognizes students and staff through the Student of the Week and Staff Member of the Month initiatives. "People began to feel proud of the school again, and talk became positive and hopeful," said a staff member at the school. "Her door is always open for everyone. She is a listener who welcomes different viewpoints in all situations. She encourages and values the opinions of staff members and uses their knowledge."
"All students can succeed in an atmosphere that enhances student confidence, welcomes academic challenge, exploration, and creativity," said Principal Regina Jones. "I strongly promote the mission of Dallas ISD by providing team-building leadership, rigorous and coherent academic goals, encouraging multicultural awareness, gender sensitivity, and maintaining a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and positive." Jones attributes the school's improvement to the support that she has gained. "With the staff, students, parents, community, and school administrators working together, we are actively pursuing high academic expectations and results for all, re-establishing a positive school image, and maintaining an overall safe and orderly environment that is conducive to teaching and learning," said Jones. Jones' visions have energized the staff, students and parents, and restored their school pride.
The finalists for the 2008–2009 Principal of the Year were Jeffrey Baker, Dallas Environmental Science Academy; Jonnice Berns, Anne Frank Elementary School; Anna Galvan, Ben Milam Elementary School; and Kathy Snyder, B.H. Macon Elementary School.