By ARABELLA SERRATA
Staff Writer
Port Isabel Independent School District [PIISD] officially announced it has hired two new principals at a recent school board meeting. The latest hires include Valerie LeBlanc and Myrna Ramirez for Garriga and Derry respectively.
LeBlanc had been working with PIISD for about 20 years. She was a teacher at Garriga for seven years before moving to Arizona for her husband’s career. She resumed her work at the district when she returned as the Dean of Instruction.
“Garriga has always been my home. This is where I started my career,” said LeBlanc. The strong sense of community and home convinced LeBlanc to make a difference. Throughout her educational career, it was her goal to become a principal.
When asked about becoming the principal, LeBlanc said she enjoyed each step. She is adamant that even the most difficult times are times to learn and improve. During her continuous time working in education, this philosophy has led her to live a “happy life,” according to LeBlanc.
“If you have an open mind – a positive mind – everything that you go through – you’re going to improve as a person,” said LeBlanc.
LeBlanc says she wants to bring about more parental involvement within the school. She wants the students to feel like they’re in their “second home” when they enter Garriga. She strives to provide a safe environment where students feel it is ok to make mistakes and are encouraged to learn from them. All parts of the community, from the parents to staff, are considered when creating the atmosphere, according to LeBlanc.
Ramirez has prior experience of being a principal. Her time as the Port Isabel Junior High vice principal gave her an understanding of where her elementary students are headed and how she can prepare them. Being an elementary school principal will allow her to establish a strong foundation for her student’s future, according to Ramirez.
“To me, the journey was a transition,” said Ramirez.
In just a few days, she’s seen just how connected the schools are with each other. Her former students at the middle school have siblings in elementary, and her coworkers have children across both schools. She feels that it is an
“extended family” of sorts. She says she is not truly leaving anyone behind. Instead, she is seeing a different part of them.
Ramirez is excited to see the new faces of the school year. “Their faces, their smiles, just getting to know their personalities… That’s what’s going to bring me joy, on that first day of school,” said Ramirez.
She wants to bring her experience of eight years as a principal to Derry. Having worked in multiple districts, she is well acquainted with the many different trials and tribulations that could be thrown at her. She is also bringing her willingness to listen to the community and her love for the children within the district.
Garriga and Derry Elementary are set to open their doors for the school year on Aug. 19. Student registration is currently open. Garriga students are to register at the district’s central office, located at 101 Port Rd. Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Aug. 15 at both elementary campuses from 4-6 p.m. More information and updates will be on the district website: pi-isd.net.
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