Derrick Miller
DUNCAN — At the end of fall 2009 semester, JoAnn Pierce retired after 35 1/2 years of service with Duncan Public Schools. The last few years were spent as principal of Mark Twain Elementary.
With the vacant position, the school district chose Carol Phipps to be the school’s assistant principal. Mona Evans, principal at Emerson Elementary, is the principal of record for Mark Twain, but Phipps is the administrator overseeing the building.
“It feels great,” Phipps said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for several years.”
The idea behind making Phipps an assistant principal comes down to the proposed bond issue. If the bond issue passes, Phipps will be an assistant principal for one of the three elementary buildings on the elementary campus. But if the bond fails, she will become the principal of Mark Twain.
As any administrator, Phipps’ experience in education began in the classroom. She was at Lee Elementary for 15 years before moving to Horace Mann for the last five years. She has taught students ranging from first- to sixth-graders, after-school programs and a course reading program for Cameron University. Her favorite subject to teach is reading, regardless of the age of the students.
Phipps said she has enjoyed the few weeks she’s been at Mark Twain because of the staff. Phipps said Pierce left the school well organized, which has been a benefit to Phipps.
“I like that it’s a small school,” Phipps said. “I have an organized staff. It’s a close staff. The staff has ownership in what goes on every day.”
She said she also likes that every day begins with a Rise and Shine program, where the students gather together in the school’s gym. Every Friday, the students also get together for a wrap up program for the week. Phipps said the wrap up program gives students a chance to share stories about what happened during the week.
The closeness of the teachers and the students is one of Phipps favorite parts of Mark Twain.
“We have a Rise and Shine program every morning, and all the kids participate,” Phipps said. “It seems like a family here. I like the family atmosphere here at Mark Twain.”
Phipps said her favorite part of being a classroom teacher is the students. Her favorite part of being assistant principal is similar to her days in the classroom.
“Most of all, I like the kids,” Phipps said. “I like the relationship I can have with them. I like getting to know the children of all ages. I’m getting to know over 200 kids.”
She said she has set several goals for the school with her primary focus being on student achievement and success.
“My goals are for our test scores to improve and for the kids to experience success in the classroom,” Phipps said.
— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.
