Excellence Key for Clinton’s new assistant principal

Clinton Elementary School’s new assistant principal wants students, families, faculty and staff to know she is there to help. Da Vetta Price comes to Poughkeepsie City School District from Beacon City School District where she worked as a teacher/educator. Prior to that she worked in a charter school. She longed to have a greater impact beyond the classroom, so she returned to school to obtain her school and district leadership certifications and after completion saw the opening to come to Poughkeepsie and after seeing how Poughkeepsie emphasized holistically supporting all children.

“Poughkeepsie is so involved in the community which is a big deal,” she said. “They provide food, phones, school supplies - the district takes care of its kids and its parents. Not many districts are doing that.”

In her new role, Price will work with Principal Dr. David Scott and the teachers to improve the outcomes for students. She will also work with students with exceptionalities so they have a better experience and reach their full potential. “I’ll be working with teachers and support staff and help with transitions so they can maximize their time in school,” she said, adding that her experience with elementary students and students with exceptionalities will help. She sees the school’s outreach to the community as a strength as well as how they treat their students.

“Excellence is everywhere,” she said. “They call their students scholars.”

Price said she was raised, “with a standard of excellence and hard work was not optional.” So, for her students and staff, “I want nothing but excellence and expect nothing but excellence and I will do whatever I can with the students, staff and parents to make that happen.” Of course, she also realizes that for every person, excellence is different.

As a mother of two boys, ages two and five, she feels a connection with parents as well as with teachers.  Between work, taking care of her children and her volunteer efforts (she is a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority and does a lot of community service) her free time is limited. But, she enjoys spending time with her husband who is in the military, crafting, travel (especially cruises) and taking in a Broadway musical. “I would be on Broadway if not for bad stage fright,” she said with a smile.