October is National Principals Month, “an opportunity to celebrate and honor our incredible school principals for their visionary leadership and tireless pursuit for success for each student,” according to principalsmonth.org.
Falcon News sat down with Elmira High School Principal Rick Gardner and asked him to reflect on his career as a principal, what he enjoys about Elmira, and more.
Question: How long have you worked in education?
Answer: “This is my 27th year.”
Q: How long have you worked for Elmira?
A: “This is his fifth year working for Elmira,” adding that he has been a principal for a total of six years.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a principal? What is your least favorite part?
A: “My favorite part, I think, is my day-to-day interactions with the kids. My least favorite part is the long hours (some days being 12 hours).”
Q: Do you enjoy being a principal of high-schoolers?
A: “Yeah, I do, particularly graduation and getting to see the kids at the end.”
Q: What do you find special about this school?
A: “We have a great staff … and I think we have good kids!”
What Students and Staff Have to Say About Our Principal
Falcon News asked students and staff to share what they appreciate about Mr. Gardner. Below are some of their responses.
Mr. Wondra: “He is always open for discussing new ideas.”
Mrs. Wartenbee: “He is always understanding and patient.”
Ninth-grader Madelyn Martin: “I appreciate that he is nice to all the students and cares about the school and has a cute dog.”
Ninth-grader Mason Lane: “I appreciate that he takes his time to look after every person and is very kind to everyone.”
Ninth-grader Easy Armstrong: “I appreciate that he makes a lot of events happen.”
Ninth-grader Abigail Neely: “He seems nice, and that he cares about the school and students, as well as staff.”
Junior River Vandever: “He holds the door open every day, and asks me how I’m doing when I pass by.”
Junior Katie Geiger: “One thing about our principal that I appreciate is that he always enforces the rules no matter the circumstance, to keep our school safe.”
Junior Josh Sweet: “I appreciate his good attitude.”
Junior Ethan Bennett: “Mr. Gardner is always sure to have the job done on whatever it is. Being in his position is a tough job, but he is sure to get it done.”
Junior Iris Frome: “I like how Mr. Gardner seems to know everyone. He always says hi to kids in the hallways and that shows that he cares.”
Junior Kelsey Hemple: “He’s a very capable and dedicated principal.”
Junior Lillian Ossowski: “I appreciate how Mr. Gardner is involved with the students. He walks around the school and holds open the door for students saying hello and good morning.”
Junior Mari Espinoza: “Mr. Gardner is a great principal. He cares for his students and is an amazing person to talk to. He has great dad jokes, and is always there to say hello. Elmira High School is lucky to have him as principal.”
Junior Dani Slate: “I appreciate the way he tries his hardest to make everyone feel safer.”
