The excitement of school starting in a few days is felt through the district, but especially at Springfield Plains Elementary.
“I can not wait until the first day of school,” said Nancy Mahoney, who joined the elementary in July as the new principal after four years as assistant principal at Clarkston High School.
“In elementary there is a high level of energy and excitement on the first day of school,” she added. “I want to be a part of that.”
The transition into her new school and role has been smooth especially with Karen Postal, school secretary, and the rest of the staff.
“There are very friendly people here,” Mahoney smiled. “Teachers have been popping in. It is nice to put a face with a name.”
Mahoney started in the district as a math teacher at the high school, now the Clarkston Junior High School.
“I can’t believe how fast it has gone,” she said, remembering the school, her classroom in a portable and moving to the current high school.
She transitioned into the assistant principal role. When the position opened at Springfield Plains after KC Leh announced her retirement, Mahoney knew she wanted to apply.
“As a principal you truly become a leader of the school,” she said. “It is nice to lead in terms of teaching, curriculum and be a leader for kids. It is a great opportunity to grow.”
Mahoney brings to Springfield Plains dedication and strong ethics. Plus, she cares about the students.
“I want them to enjoy school and have fun,” she said. “As principal I want to give them the best opportunities for learning.”
Being assistant principal allowed her to understand secondary curriculum, so she has their future at the high school and for after graduation in her mind.
“I also get excited at the fact we are given kids for six years,” she smiled. “We are building the strongest foundation possible.”
Mahoney knows everyone working in the district plays a role in how each child turns out.
“We all have the same mission in mind for the kids and like kids,” she said. “I like the commitment. I have always felt them to be very warm, loving and supportive. It is easy to establish that team because it is a team effort to education the children in Clarkston.?
She understands the importance of family for the parents at Springfield Plains and throughout the district.
“My family is important to me,” she said.
Mahoney has three children going to school in the district – one in the junior high and two at the high school. Her oldest is a senior.
“I never really saw her while I was at the high school,” she said, explaining her daughter never got in trouble. “It was nice to be a part of everything. I will miss it a little bit but I will still attend the activities.”
Besides spending time with her kids she enjoys outdoor recreation and reading.
“I want kids to know this is the best place they can come to,” she said. “For them to know it is a safe place, a secure place and we are going to take care of them. They will have great experiences here.”