Principal Appreciation Month is celebrated every year during the month of October. This year, the Red and Black, will be featuring the dedicated and passionate principals who help make our school district the best it can be.
For the fourth installment of this series, we head to Medford Elementary to interview Dr. Deland.
Q.1 How long have you been a principal?
Five years.
Q.2 Did you always want to be a principal?
No, initially I went to college for pre-med.
Q.3 Who inspired you to pursue education?
My fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Townsend, was an inspirational teacher. It was he who demonstrated the elements of teaching and infused the joy of learning.
Q.4 What is your favorite memory from being a principal?
There are so many joyful memories of my principalship. The ones that most stand out are the teacher and administrator performance in the talent show. The entire team came together to bring joy to the students and families.
Q.5 What makes being a principal at your school special?
Seeing the difference in the building culture and the joy in the faces of my students and staff makes it an absolutely exceptional experience.