Snoqualmie Middle School gets new principal
April 23, 2008
By Laura Geggel
Amid cheers from Snoqualmie Middle School staff, Superintendent Joel Aune recommended Vernie Newell fill the position of Snoqualmie Middle School principal at the April 17 school board meeting.
Newell then received unanimous approval from the School Board of Directors to replace Ruth Moen, who is moving to a principal-ship at the new Twin Falls Middle School this fall.
“(Newell) has an outstanding depth of knowing in terms of understanding, teaching and learning,” said Aune, praising Newell for his people skills and dedication to encouraging teamwork.
Newell began teaching at Snoqualmie Middle School 16 years ago, teaching language arts, history, debate and physical education in addition to coaching football, wrestling and baseball. He transitioned into his role as assistant principal at Snoqualmie Middle school six years ago.
“I did some coaching when I was in junior high and high school with baseball,” Newell said. “It inspired me to want to continue working with students.”
The soon-to-be principal earned his bachelor’s degree in English and education from Washington State University, his master’s degree in Curriculum Development and Assessment in Literacy from Lesley College in Cambridge, Mass. and his administrative certification through Central Washington University.
The school district is still deciding whether it will find a replacement assistant principal for Snoqualmie Middle School.
The principal search began in early February, drawing 20 applicants, before the district narrowed the search to four. Newell was the only in-district contender.
Each of the final four met with four groups: a team of Snoqualmie Middle School staff and a parent representative, a section of school administrators, Superintendent Aune and Snoqualmie Middle School students who led tours of their school.
Heather Kern, counselor at Snoqualmie Middle School, agreed with the hiring decision.
“(Newell) is someone we know will do a wonderful job and be committed,” she said.
Addressing the district’s new middle school is the most immediate goal on Newell’s mind. After student boundary rezoning, Snoqualmie Middle School’s student population of 570 students will drop to 370 pupils next year.
“We will be reduced quite dramatically with our new student population,” said Newell. “It has its advantages, as well as challenges. How do we refine our current program to make a better learning environment?”
Aune reiterated Newell’s goal to take advantage of the population adjustment.
“We choose to look at this process from the perspective that we’re not creating one new school, but three new schools,” Aune said. “All three of the principals have begun to look at this as a unique opportunity for each of their schools to revisit and reflect upon who and where they are as a school and do some thinking about what their ideal is in terms of what they aspire to be.”
Continuing Snoqualmie Middle School’s extra-curricular activities, which Newell said helped build a strong connection between the students and the school, could help the middle school maintain its close-knit community.
“We don’t want learning to be limited to the classroom,” Newell said.
Newell’s long-term goals include identifying ways to monitor and challenge student learning, from students who are struggling, to those who are ahead of the curve.
Sandy Smelser, a counselor at Cascade View Elementary School who used to work at Snoqualmie Middle School, was one of the cheering staff at the school board meeting.
“I am thrilled to see (Newell) mature as an educator and a leader and grow into this position, which he has earned – absolutely, positively earned – because of his skill and dedication to the school,” she said.
Reporter Laura Geggel can be reached at 392-6434 x221 or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com.
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