Letter from the Principal

Letter from the Principal

Dear Grove Junior High Families,

jenski thumb 1I am ecstatic to enter my second year at Grove Junior High as the principal for the 2023-24 school year. I am excited to get to know each of you and partner with you to give the best education and junior high experience to all of our Grove students. 

I began my career teaching social studies to 7th and 8th graders. For those eight years, I strove to challenge my students to think critically, persevere, and value and appreciate differing perspectives from their own. While teaching, I was the social studies department chair for many years, mentoring and leading teachers towards strengthening best practices within their classrooms. I later became a junior high dean of students for two years, and most recently have been assistant principal at the same junior high school for three years (along with a short-term elementary interim principal position). Additionally, I am currently taking classes towards a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

While my passion for education has brought me to Grove Junior High, I also balance being principal with being a wife and mother. I have two children; a 3rd grader and a 4th grader. As it is tough to completely separate the life of an educator and the life of a mom, I often think of my own children to guide my decisions as a leader. I want the same things for the students as I do for my children; I want the best for them, I want them challenged, I want them cared for, and I want them to feel safe and valued. 

During the past few years, the incredibly hardworking staff at Grove has not only been weathering the storm of COVID-19, but also working to strengthen Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and supports. SEL is a deep interest of mine, and I believe it is essential in schools. Our students must feel safe, supported and have a sense of belonging at school in order to achieve academic success. It is my job to continue this great work that has already begun.

I value open dialogue and collaboration, and I look forward to building lasting connections with the community, families, students, and staff. Educating and developing children takes a village, and I feel privileged to be able to be a part of your child’s junior high school experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to a great year,

Alison Jenski

Dear Grove Junior High Families,

jenski thumb 1I am ecstatic to enter my second year at Grove Junior High as the principal for the 2023-24 school year. I am excited to get to know each of you and partner with you to give the best education and junior high experience to all of our Grove students. 

I began my career teaching social studies to 7th and 8th graders. For those eight years, I strove to challenge my students to think critically, persevere, and value and appreciate differing perspectives from their own. While teaching, I was the social studies department chair for many years, mentoring and leading teachers towards strengthening best practices within their classrooms. I later became a junior high dean of students for two years, and most recently have been assistant principal at the same junior high school for three years (along with a short-term elementary interim principal position). Additionally, I am currently taking classes towards a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

While my passion for education has brought me to Grove Junior High, I also balance being principal with being a wife and mother. I have two children; a 3rd grader and a 4th grader. As it is tough to completely separate the life of an educator and the life of a mom, I often think of my own children to guide my decisions as a leader. I want the same things for the students as I do for my children; I want the best for them, I want them challenged, I want them cared for, and I want them to feel safe and valued. 

During the past few years, the incredibly hardworking staff at Grove has not only been weathering the storm of COVID-19, but also working to strengthen Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and supports. SEL is a deep interest of mine, and I believe it is essential in schools. Our students must feel safe, supported and have a sense of belonging at school in order to achieve academic success. It is my job to continue this great work that has already begun.

I value open dialogue and collaboration, and I look forward to building lasting connections with the community, families, students, and staff. Educating and developing children takes a village, and I feel privileged to be able to be a part of your child’s junior high school experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Looking forward to a great year,

Alison Jenski