During the month of May, information regarding the future admin team of South Windsor High School was released to the public. Mrs. Jessica Serrano and Ms. Anselma Yarde have been appointed assistant principals for the 2024-2025 school year.
The Bobcat Prowl had the honor of interviewing Serrano and Yarde, learning more about SWHS’s future assistant principals, including their experience in the educational field and their visions for South Windsor High School’s 2024-2025 school year.
Mrs. Jessica Serrano has an extensive background in the teaching profession and has already established crucial relationships within the high school, making her a strong applicant for the Assistant Principal position.
Serrano has been part of the South Windsor High School community for 3 years, currently holding the position of a world language teacher. She takes pride in the community SWHS has created and has a sense of belonging within the school.
“That sense of belonging, where I have felt seen, heard, and empowered is exactly what I want to give to my students,” Serrano told The Prowl.
Before her time at South Windsor High School, Serrano was a world language department leader in Hartford Public Schools, as well as a world language teacher in West Hartford and Southington Public Schools.
“The years of experience I have had, in and outside of the school district, will be useful during my time as assistant principal,” Serrano commented.
Serrano’s goal as assistant principal is to be accessible to the students. She believes having an open door will build stronger relationships within the school community.
“Students should feel that they can access me, so when they are facing challenges or celebrating something, there is someone they can trust,” Serrano explained.
Serrano explains that although the role of assistant principal will be a change for her from a World Language teacher, the importance of putting students first will remain the same.
Ms. Anselma Yarde holds the current position of a school psychologist at South Windsor’s middle school, Timothy Edwards. Before joining the South Windsor school district, Yarde served as a school psychologist within Windsor Public Schools.
As a school psychologist, Yarde is tasked with responsibilities including conducting evaluations, counseling, and collaborating with teachers to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional issues. Additionally, Yarde builds relationships with students, teachers, and families, to ensure that students, especially those with challenges, can access the resources they need to be successful.
Although assistant principal will require a different skill set, Yarde believes her years as a psychologist have prepared her for this position.
“I feel that in this position I will be able to continue to do everything I have been doing except for evaluations and counseling,” Yarde told The Prowl.
Her experience in the education field has consisted of teaching, collaborating with mental health experts, collaborating with teachers, and partnering with parents and community agencies to improve student outcomes.
Yarde emphasized the importance of building long-lasting connections and relationships within all communities.
“I love getting to know people. I believe that authentic relationships develop a sense of trust and awareness that helps with collaboration and being socially conscious,” Yarde commented.
During her term as Assistant Principal, Yarde’s goal is to ensure that the SWHS community feels seen, heard, and valued. She looks forward to building relationships in the high school and becoming a visible member of SWHS.
“I am excited to be a part of the team that will help mold students to develop the characteristics of a South Windsor Graduate,” Yarde Explained.
