The Washington Township Board of Education has appointed Tricia Holmes interim principal at Hurffville Elementary School, as its current leader, Dr. Naté Dawson, takes maternity leave.
“Mrs. Tricia Holmes is a consummate educator who is accomplished in her current role as an elementary, special-education,” Director of Elementary Education Gretchen Gerber said in a press release. “Her dedication, problem-solving skills and love of children will make her transition into this new role seamlessly.
“Her philosophy of elementary education, and her desire to support all students, aligns well with Dr. Naté Dawson’s leadership style,” Gerber added. “We are proud that she will lead the Huskies during this interim period.”
Holmes, who begins in her new role this month, has been part of the school district since she took a job as special-education teacher in 1997. At the time, she had just finished a Bachelor of Arts Degree in elementary education from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Holmes also received her master’s degree in learning disability from Rowan University in 2005, and a supervisory certification from the school in 2006.
“Upon my college graduation, I was lucky enough to earn a special-education position at Washington Township High School,” Holmes said. “I have been provided support, guidance, and opportunities to grow as an educator by amazing role models in the classroom and in administration.”
Holmes also has worked as the supervisor of special education for secondary level, and is now in the same role at the elementary level. Along with her multitude of roles in the district, Holmes has served as a pull out resource and in class support teacher in history, mathematics, science and foreign language at Washington Township High School. She also assisted with curriculum development, writing, alignment and revisions.
Although Holmes will only serve through February, she looks forward to a more traditional school experience at Hurffville and a better connection with students and parents. She hopes to continue initiatives created by Dawson, while creating some changes of her own.
“I am hoping to maintain and further develop the initiatives started by Dr. Dawson, such as a positive school climate, as well as implementing a new math curriculum,” Holmes noted. “I am excited for new experiences and leadership opportunities which will allow me to continue learning how to better serve the Washington Township school district.”
