HHS grad named Alaska distinguished principal for 2021

From Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals

The Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals announced National Distinguished Principal for 2021 is Havre native Heather (Stremcha) Jones, principal of Trailside Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska.

The 2021 National Distinguished Principal Celebration marks the 37th year that the National Association of Elementary School Principals has presented this prestigious award.

Jones was nominated and selected by her fellow principals through a statewide search process conducted by the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals.

Jones, a Havre High School graduate, graduated from Western Montana University with a bachelor’s degree, she then added a master’s degree in teaching in 2003 and a master’s degree in administration in 2006 from Grand Canyon University.

Jones began her administrative career as a principal at Eagle’s View Elementary in Unalaska in 2007 and went on to be a principal in Montana from 2010-2012, followed by principalships in Anchorage at Ocean View Elementary and Chinook Elementary from 2012-2019.

She is currently her second year as the principal at Trailside Elementary School.

Jones is an active and a true leader in the profession. While in Montana, her school was named the Alta Care Western Program of the Year in 2010. She serves on the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals Board of Directors. She has represented principals in Anchorage on the negotiations committee a number of times.

Jones has made numerous trips to Juneau to advocate for education in Alaska. She also gives her time to mentor new principals both in Anchorage and around the state of Alaska.

Jones’ staff will tell you that one of the things that makes her leadership exemplary is the relationships she works to build and to nurture with staff, parents, students and the community. These relationships are what allows her to have a school that is able to be successful in supporting students’ growth both socially and academically.

“Positivity throughout every situation is what determines strong leadership and how to manage negative interactions,” Jones said. “I have learned the art of making any situation better by taking the time to listen and then follow through with tasks. As a leader, having high expectations for myself and the school helps to build the relationships that will build trust and assist in closing gaps between students.”

Jones will travel to Washington in October 2021 for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary administrators selected by their respective states.