In the news:
Pavone, Jamail named Pasadena ISD's
Region 4 Principals of the Year

Pearl Hall Elementary principal Marilyn Pavone and Dobie High School principal Steve Jamail were named as Pasadena ISD’s 2008 Region 4 Principals of the Year recently.

Every year, districts throughout Texas select an elementary and secondary principal for this honor. Region 4 will honor Pavone and Jamail along with the other statewide honorees at a principal recognition banquet on June 4.

The principals were selected based on demonstrated excellence in concern for all students and staff and the capability to inspire them, ability and willingness to work cooperatively with all staff and administrative colleagues, implementation of strategies for continuous improvement in student performance, continuous personal and professional growth and for meaningful contributions to education.

Under Pavone’s leadership, Pearl Hall has been consecutively named an Exemplary or Recognized campus by the Texas Education Agency and as a Just For Kids Honor Roll school. Pasadena ISD Deputy Superintendent Vicki Thomas said Pavone was selected because of her proven track record in establishing a school of excellence.

“Marilyn encourages innovative practices such as regularly providing students the opportunity to have live video conferences with NASA Astronauts while they are in space,” Thomas said. “Her passion for excellence and devotion to students is unmatched. She truly serves as a model to all.”

Thomas said Jamail was selected because of his outstanding ability to build a positive school culture and climate aimed at excellence for all.

“Steve truly believes in and supports his students,” she said. “He is highly visible on the campus and is an ardent supporter of student activities and the events in which they participate. He encourages innovation in the classroom.”

Jamail said he was surprised and honored and to have been named secondary principal of the year and said Dobie’s success wouldn’t be possible without the support of staff, administration, the community and parents.

“I feel extremely honored to receive this recognition knowing there are so many deserving principals in our school district,” he said. “You are only as good as the people around you. I am surrounded by some incredible teachers, administrators, counselors and staff who work hard to have a successful school. We have fantastic support form the district, which provides us with the training and tools that are necessary, and our parents and community are very supportive. I feel very blessed.”

Jamail has overseen the implementation of academic teaming at the 9^th and 10^th grade levels to help ensure increased graduation rates and initiated a freshman first day back program to aid with the transition into high school. The school is also currently involved in a project where students use cooking oil from the cafeteria to turn into diesel fuel.

“This type of rigorous and relevant instruction helps to foster student interest and engagement,” Thomas said. “Steve has fostered a wonderful educational setting for students to learn and grow.”