Clark principal still looks after her flock
Even without a physical school building, Cessilye Williams is still keeping tabs on her students.
 “Part of my job this year has been to ensure that the education of Clark’s students has continued as planned. The principals and staffs from Begich, Central, Romig and Wendler middle schools have been welcoming to the students. They have made students feel like assets to their new communities,” Williams said.
She is still energized by winning the public’s approval for the new Clark Middle School in last year’s municipal election. She credits the election as one of many influential factors resulting in her students achieving AYP last year.
“Words cannot express the affirmation Clark students and families felt. It showed our students and families that residents across Anchorage, Eagle River and Girdwood really care about them,” Williams said.
The Clark families are resilient and are keeping their eyes on the prize – a brand new school and community center that will open in August 2009, she said.
“We are moving in a positive direction and the community is willing to make this temporary sacrifice for the permanent benefits of the new building,” Williams said. “Clark will be a safe haven that is utilized throughout the year.”
The new school will have the capacity for 1,200 sixth-eighth grade students that will come from Mountain View, Tyson, Williwaw, Nunaka Valley, Ptarmigan, Russian Jack and Wonder Park elementary schools.
As she spends time in the elementary schools, Williams is making personal connections with students and families. She is also working with the ASD Curriculum Department to insure the sixth grade curriculum is a seamless transition for students.
The steel girding is being secured now on the new school. This summer, the structure will have a new roof and will be closed in, so crews can start on the extensive internal work. Soon, Williams will have new halls to walk and then students to fill them.
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