Sunnymead Elementary School Principal Dr. Tammy Bowling-Jenkins said the hard work and dedication of her staff is the reason for her success.
HILLSBOROUGH - Dr. Tammy Bowling-Jenkins, principal of Sunnymead Elementary School, has been named the 2017 National Association of Elementary School Principals National Distinguished Principal of the Year, the school district announced Tuesday.
Bowling-Jenkins, who had been principal at the school for the past 13 years, qualified for the award by being voted the Visionary Principal of the Year - an Elementary School Level award - by the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.
"I have to say this is a very humbling experience for me," said Bowling-Jenkins. "I'm very committed to the work I do. I love what I do. This award has given me unpalatable joy.
"I attribute this award to having a phenomenal staff. They're so committed, talented and dedicated. They make my ability to lead and live out the vision for our school so much easier. I'm so just grateful to have them alongside of me on this journey. This is a team effort."
Sunnymead Elementary School, which has an enrollment of more than 425 students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, has the highest percentage of students living at or near the poverty level of the nine schools in the Hillsborough district, the district said.
Despite this challenge, Sunnymead's students typically perform at the highest levels in the district, according to school officials.
"A true leader coaches instead of demands from her staff," said Michele K. Jones, a second-grade teacher at Sunnymead Elementary School. "Dr. Jenkins helps develop the strengths from all of her staff while helping improve their weakness."
Through creative scheduling and staffing, Dr. Bowling-Jenkins has created an opportunity for students to receive timely, targeted intervention and/or enrichment every day without disrupting or impacting core subjects, school officials stated.
As part of the curriculum, each Sunnymead teacher leads a small group of students as they work on the skills they need to improve, it was stated in the release.
"Dr. Jenkins leads the Sunnymead community with a positive spirit and a steadfast belief that each child will reach their full potential with the support of a strong school community of teachers and parents," said Dr. Jorden Schiff, Superintendent of Hillsborough Township Public Schools.
"Dr. Jenkins is an integral part of creating that support structure for Sunnymead students."
As Elementary School Principal of the Year, Dr. Jenkins will receive $7,000 for Sunnymead School and a $1,000 personal award. She will be formally honored at the annual Fall Conference Oct. 19-20 in Long Branch.
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