Ms. Alissa Hansel joined our school this year, taking the position of Associate Principal. In order to learn more about her personality and her plans for Central’s future, I reached out to her and asked her a few questions. My main takeaways are that she has a lot of experience and she loves helping others – both very good qualities for an Associate Principal to have! Below are the questions I asked her, and her responses. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

“I spend most of my free time with my four children. They are very active in sports and activities, which takes up most of my nights and weekends.  If I ever get a spare moment, I enjoy exercising and watching Netflix.”

What are you most looking forward to about working here at Central?

“I am most looking forward to building relationships with students.  I try to lead my life being helpful, not hurtful.  I hope to help instill this idea with students as well.”

What’s your past experience working in the district, and what have you learned from it?

“I started working for DCSD in 2003 as a math teacher at West High School.  After 8 years, I moved into a district position as the K-12 Math Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Specialist.  Then, another 8 years later, I moved to Washington Elementary School where I was a School Administrative Manager.  I remained in that position for two years and now I am at Central.  

Having been both in schools and at the district level, I have learned that there is a big difference between theory and reality.  There can be best laid plans that are theory and research-based, but then when you actually try to implement ideas in a school sometimes the reality is very different.

I also remind myself that we, students and staff, are humans first – we all make mistakes.  It’s what we do after we make a mistake that shows our character and empathy.  This goes back to my motto of trying to be helpful, not hurtful.”

What made you decide to come here?

“Although I very much enjoyed my time at the elementary level, I believe I can make a stronger impact with high school students.  I love the traditions Central has and the pride in the community to be a Blue Devil.  I am excited that I get to be involved with extracurricular activities such as sporting events, fine arts, homecoming, etc.”

What’s your vision for Central’s future, and how do you plan to bring it into reality?

“My vision for Central’s future is to help provide a safe environment where all students feel welcomed and accepted.  This starts with building relationships and trust with each other. In addition, I will refer back to my motto of striving each day to be helpful, not hurtful.”

Ms. Hansel seems very enthusiastic about her job and helping improve our school. Based on this interview, it seems like she has very good intentions to be helpful – so, let’s welcome her with open arms!