Principal reflects on first year at helm of Twinsburg High

by Kristin Wedemeyer Goss

As Twinsburg High School’s 1,200-plus students settle into their day, they are greeted by a now familiar voice.

“I try to welcome the students each morning over the PA just to make sure they know I’m in the building,” said Principal Laura Hebert. “It sends a message that I care about them, too.”

Students also see Hebert strolling the hallways and observing their classrooms. At the end of the day, she is there to send off the buses.

“It’s as important to say goodbye as it is good morning,” explained Hebert, who then heads out to support her Tigers outside of the classroom. “Everyone on my administrative team does extracurricular coverage three to five times per week. … We cover all home sports – from bowling to basketball – and all concerts and plays.”

Being visible and accessible have been keys to Hebert’s assimilation into life at THS, where she said her biggest challenge was being an outsider in a small district. Before being selected from a field of more than 50 applicants to fill the vacancy left when Louise Teringo retired last spring, Hebert was principal of 1,800-student Lloyd C. Bird High School in Chesterfield, Va. A former industrial engineer, Hebert earned a doctorate in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

“Ohio is much different than Virginia, and I came from a district of 63,000 students and was the principal of one of 13 high schools in the district,” Hebert said. “My priority was getting to know all the stakeholders and ensuring that we developed a vision for the school together.”

Hebert, who said she looked forward to Twinsburg’s “small town feel,” opened her doors to faculty and eventually met with more than 80 percent of them.

“I asked three questions: ‘What did they love about THS, what were some challenges, and what did they expect from their new leader?’” said Hebert. “This immersion into all things Twinsburg was invaluable, as I learned about the culture and climate of the school.”

Hebert also met with every sports team to explain her vision for student athletes and sent home messages to THS families weekly. The immersion strategy appears to be working.

“I’ve received many favorable comments about her from our students, parents and staff,” said Superintendent Kathi Powers. “It’s not uncommon to see her at high school athletic events, programs and activities. Dr. Hebert is the epitome of school spirit as she encourages and supports our students.”

As for specific programs, Hebert said one area of focus is the Academy@Twinsburg “with a plan to offer significant course pathways in the coming years, ranging from engineering and manufacturing to broadcast journalism.

“These pathways will allow students to chose courses that appeal to them in the present, yet prepare them for the future.”

STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – courses are on Hebert’s hot list, too.

“Our high-tech world demands that schools prepare students for post-secondary education by emphasizing communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and community,” she said. “These, combined with courses like Project Lead the Way – an intro to engineering – and higher level math and science courses, will help our students be ready for college, career, the military – anything.”

Hebert said that THS intervention specialists and general educators have received intensive professional development opportunities, which, in turn, benefit students.

Her ultimate goal, she said, is student success, regardless of ability. To make that a reality, she and her staff keep tabs on each student.

“We’ve generated a watch list of students who may need our attention so that they get the support they need to flourish,” she said. “By providing opportunities through the Academy and extracurricular clubs, we can identify students who would have fallen through the cracks academically and socially.”

Hebert’s first year at Twinsburg is winding down, but she wants to keep the positive momentum going as she heads into year two.

“The more opportunities we can offer, the better,” she said.

Featured image photo caption: Laura Hebert