Dolgeville CSD Principal Named NYS High School Principal of the Year

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Timothy Jenny

ALBANY, NY (03/22/2019) (readMedia)-- Timothy Jenny, principal at James A. Green High School in the Dolgeville Central School District, has been selected as the 2019 New York State High School Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS to recognize outstanding principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.

Jenny will also represent New York as the NASSP NYS Principal of the Year as sponsored by SAANYS' national affiliate, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). In addition to selecting a National Principal of the Year from all the state finalists, NASSP honors all state principals of the year at the Principal's Institute held each year in Washington, DC.

A dedicated leader in the district, Jenny is known as a principal who truly cares about all students. Every morning before school starts, he makes a point of greeting each student, often commenting on their individual successes, as they make their way into the school. On the last day of school before the holiday winter break, Jenny hands out hot chocolate to everyone as they enter school. He notes, "As a principal, I am always looking for ways to let students and staff know that we genuinely care about them, that we are a family, and that we will do what it takes to help everyone succeed." Jenny created a group to represent the student body known as the Principal's President Cabinet. Student presidents of each class, National Honor Society, and Student Council, along with the student board member, meet at least once a month in "cabinet" meetings with Jenny to share exciting ideas and to ensure that they have a voice in their school. In addition, Jenny, along with the school counselor, set up individual meetings with every freshman to get to know them and their needs, challenges, goals, and accomplishments. Seniors also participate in exit interviews to reflect on their time at the school and to share their thoughts on how the school can improve to better serve the students. Commented student Sandra Gonyea, "We are very lucky that we are able to connect so well with all of the adults who work in our school system. Mr. Jenny and many of the other staff are often found wandering the halls or attending sporting events after hours. They go above and beyond to show us that they care even outside of the classroom."

Inspired by his passion of flying airplanes, Jenny created the school motto "Soar to Success" and arranged for one of the art teachers to paint a mural of an airplane skywriting the motto while flying over the Adirondacks at the entrance of the school. This message has become so popular that it has even appeared in some senior's graduation speeches. Commented recently retired Superintendent Christine Reynolds, "Mr. Jenny models integrity, compassion, and kindness, and expects the same from all students and adults at the school... He knows every student in the high school by name and asks them if they are having any difficulties and how he can help them to be more successful as students and as people." Commented parent Jennifer Winkler, "Mr. Jenny promotes success for all students. His vision of 'Soar to Success' is beautifully painted in the high school lobby where you enter the school and is visually achieved through his evident love and passion for all students and teachers. Mr. Jenny leads by example in his philosophy of our students are priority 1."

Jenny received his bachelor of science, master of science in education, and certificate of advanced study in school building leadership and school district leadership from SUNY Cortland.

Jenny will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 3 at the Century House in Latham, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).