School Happenings for 9-9-07

• New High School Principal —“My year is going good so far. I think we got off to a good start. Although, I am having difficulty learning the student’s names.” Neches High School Principal Trent Cook said. “As far as students, it’s almost the same as LaPoynor. I believe the students are good kids they just need a little guidance from time to time.”

Cook is a graduate from Frankston High School. His wife, Nicci Cook, is now the principal at that school. Cook also is the father of two children, Jared, 3, and Emily, 7.

Cook’s main expectation is to bring TAKS scores up.

“Scores were acceptable last year, but we want recognition,” he said.

• New Elementary School Principal — Assuring words from Neches Elementary School’s new principal, Kim Snider, “I love the year! It’s going to be a great year. Students are wonderful and the staff is great! I couldn’t ask for a better campus.

“I love teaching at Neches,” she added. “I left to get a broader perspective of education. Being an administrator at Palestine was great. There were a lot of fantastic teachers and community members to work with. I learned a lot of new and different ways to do things. Working at Palestine was beneficial to me returning to Neches as the principal. My experiences in both districts, I feel, will help me to be an effective leader.

“There are different strengths in each district but in having to choose, I like the one-on-one attention that we give the students in a smaller district. There is just a family bond at Neches that you can’t get at the big schools. It’s good to be home!” she continued.