As the new school year kicks off, you may have noticed unfamiliar faces in the halls- and we’re not just referring to the freshmen class, but the administrators telling them where to go.
The building is filled with new members of the administrative team, including sophomore Assistant Principal Porshia Ojigbo. Ojigbo previously worked as an Instructional Coach and a Secondary Mathematics teacher within DCPS and is continuing part of her old work working with the math department.
Another new addition to the administrative team is Resident Principal Tomeka Mckenzie, former Assistant principal and Director of Redesign at Anacostia High School. With over 23 years of experience in DCPS as a teacher for 9 years and assistant principal for 14. Bringing a wealth of knowledge to the school community, Mckenzie is excited to work with Jackson-Reed and strives to create a supportive learning environment for her students. Hoping one day to become principal of a high school herself, as she is a member of the DCPS R.I.S.E. (Recognizing Inspiring School Employees) program, which works to train aspiring principals on school management.
Alongside new assistant principals, a new Climate and Culture team has been implemented at Jackson-Reed. Directed by Stephon Seraile, the team is available as a resource for students to come to for guidance. The Climate and Culture team has been proven beneficial in the prevention of physical altercations this year, as more administrators are available to watch students and provide support. Compared to last year, where multiple fights would break out in the atrium at once, this year, we have seen smaller arguments that were taken care of instantly by administrators within school grounds. In addition to the halls, there’s also new staff in the classrooms as well.
11th grade Assistant Principal Marc Minsker states that “within academics there have been entirely new positions in the Social Studies, English, and Science departments since enrollment is so high.”
Director of Strategy & Logistics Brandon Hall has a new assistant, Randell Strickland. The DSL program aims to help how the building runs overall. More specifically, the program manages various processes, creates and carries out plans to help to support students, and deals with facilities, attendance, custodians, and assorted repairs in the building. Due to the diligence of the Strategy & Logistics team, within the bathrooms, toilets have been repaired, stall doors have been unlocked, and trash bags have been taken off urinals.
With the changes and additions that were made over the summer to prepare for the 2023-2024 school year, the Jackson-Reed administrative team aims to work towards a better community, closer relationships with students, and a stronger presence of Tiger pride.
