Dear Parents and friends,

I am Althea Jackson, principal of Hiawassee Elementary.  I am a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Central Florida.  I am married, with one child and four stepchildren.

I begin this my 7^th year at Hiawassee with twenty-seven years of experience as an OCPS educator.  My career began in 1978 as a substitute teacher at various elementary schools. Later I became a permanent substitute and a compensatory education teacher at Wymore Career Education Center.  In the 1979-1980 school year, I transferred to Tildenville Elementary as a music instructor.  During my ten-year tenure at Tildenville, I took time to earn a master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Central Florida.  In 1989 I transferred to Lake Silver Elementary and served there five and a half years as the school guidance counselor.  I went back to UCF in 1992 and completed postgraduate studies to become certified in educational leadership.  In December of 1994, I was promoted to assistant principal at Bonneville Elementary School. After a year and a half of service, I was transferred to Clarcona Elementary as assistant principal and remained there four years. 

Hiawassee is my first assignment as school principal and remains my passion.  My chosen career is both stimulating and fulfilling.  I am excited to work at Hiawassee and look forward to getting to know you as we work together to enhance the education of our children.   

The 2007-2008 school year will be filled with excitement and continued academic growth. Our motto this year is: “We can “C” our “B” while striving for an “A”.

 

 My personal goals for this school include:

• Be visible and accessible for students, teachers, and parents.

• Help Hiawassee educators grow and develop so they can make their highest contribution to our children.

• Encourage continuous assessment of student progress and tie assessment results into curriculum planning and delivery of instruction.

• Work to involve families and community partners in the academic structure of the school.

• Celebrate student and staff achievement and successes.


• Foster a love and desire for reading in the hearts and minds of our children.