Roslyn Hanson, newly named principal of William Pitcher Junior High School in Covington, has a vision for her new school, to create a school environment that’s highly effective, reaching set standards while providing support to faculty, parents and students that will enable them to meet those standards.

She officially began as principal March 14.

Hanson said it’s important to be challenging in the learning process and to engage the students in learning. She said she’s especially excited about the parental involvement at Pitcher.

Roslyn Hanson

For example, the Pitcher Pizzazz, scheduled for April 17, will provide a great opportunity to showcase students’ talents as well as for parents to participate in the learning experiences as well.

The curriculum at the school will not change, since the school district uses a guaranteed curriculum. However, there may be some instructional changes. Hanson wants to give teachers the opportunity to visit other classrooms and other schools to observe what is being done elsewhere. Her main concern will be to see that standards are being met and students are being challenged in the classroom.

With the new bond renewal approved by voters, Hanson said she will be meeting with the technology committee to put together a prioritized list of what is needed at the school for the next year.

She said being a curriculum specialist in the district has given her a distinct perspective on how Pitcher fits into the bigger picture of the district.

Hanson also served as an assistant principal districtwide. She is certified as an administrator and took the place of administrators when they were on leave, sabbatical or ill. In addition, when there is not a vacancy, the district assistant principal would lend support to various schools. She said this experience was invaluable to her assuming the principalship of Pitcher because she was able to observe different leadership styles in various principals at many different schools.

Hanson has been in education for 16 years. She said the myth of “having off” the summer is simply that — a myth. She hasn’t had a summer off yet. In administration, particularly, she said there is always work to do over the summer to prepare for the next school year.

She added that educators can be caught in the tedium of everyday tasks. She said that the challenge is to keep the vision of the bigger picture in focus and use this to determine the future.