Nelson is new high school principal

By Patti Jares, Staff Writer

After winning the 3A state championship in baseball Saturday night (May 12) at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, the Wickenburg High School boys baseball team was joined on the field by the girls softball team that won its state title earlier in the evening at the Rose Mofford Softball Complex in Phoenix - all wearing their new 3A State Champion T-shirts. Senior Scott McKeever (front, right) also joined the group after winning the state shot put title in track and field Friday night.

Glendale Union School District Administrator Jackie Nelson was voted in as the new Wickenburg High School Principal on Tuesday, April 24 for the school year 2007-08. After 21 years in one of the largest school districts in Maricopa County, Nelson decided to break away to become a part of a small district.

“I purposefully chose to look outside the larger districts,” said Nelson. “I didn't apply to Peoria, or Dysart. I'm a big believer in that smaller community.”

With a master's degree in Education, Jackie began as a history and English teacher at Glendale Union High School, and then went back to school to earn a master's degree in Social Work. She returned to Glendale Union High School as a social worker.

She then helped to create an alternative school serving children with severe emotional disabilities, eventually becoming principal.

After six years, Nelson moved to the district office as guidance and support services coordinator. The job consisted of working with the counseling department, social workers and a part of the curriculum and instructional unit, plus the special education unit.

“I was a ‘jack-of-all-trades,” said Nelson modestly, and that is an understatement, considering what she did when she was not in the district office.

Nelson volunteered for the Glendale Fire Department, training interns in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. Often riding along in the crisis response van, she would offer emotional support to victims and families of children or loved ones who had drowned or been killed tragically in a fire or auto accident. She also offered structured debriefing for public safety workers.

“I helped them work through the trauma so they had no lasting effects,” explained Nelson. “I did it for 20 years and really enjoyed it - obviously crisis isn't fun, but you can see such immediate impact when you provide support.”

A resident of Peoria, Nelson enjoys the Wickenburg community. She has visited the Desert Caballeros Western Museum several times with her mother, who resides at Sun City Grand.

“She's delighted I'm here,” acknowledged Nelson - I'll be closer to her.”

Nelson's first plan of action is sitting down one-on-one with the high school staff.

“I want to talk to them about their concerns, priorities, and how administration can help them get there,” she said. “It's a pretty amazing staff - they're welcoming, warm and kind. My goal is to make high school the best experience for kids, and prepare them for their future - and teachers are the biggest part of that.”

Nelson is also enthusiastic regarding her opportunity to interact with Wickenburg students.

“I miss the kids,” she admitted with a grin. “I've been in the district office too long; I'm excited.”

Nelson sees her role as Wickenburg principal as long-term.

“The state has a good retirement system,” she acknowledged with a smile. “And I have a really good track record for staying.”

Print this story

Email this story

Click ads for more information