TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

'Whatever It Takes,' She Did It

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 12, 2008

Updated: 01/10/2008 06:11 pm

EDITOR'S NOTE: This occasional series spotlights local school administrators. This week's column features Sandra Black, principal at Springhead Elementary School, 3208 S. Nesmith Road. The school's telephone number is (813) 757-9321.

PLANT CITY - In 1970, Springhead Elementary Principal Sandra Black started work at the school she loves. This month, almost 38 years later, she is retiring. "One little boy asked, 'You remember teaching my me-maw?'" Black said. "I thought, 'Now we're into me-maws!' But I've prayed about this. I'm finishing a huge renovation project and I can leave this place beautiful."

Q. How did you find Springhead?

A. My husband was in charge of the summer recreation program. I can remember coming out here, right at the corner, and looking at this place. It was an old two-story building and I thought, 'I'd just like to be there.' There was something ... I don't know ... it looked like a school is supposed to.

Q. What grade did you teach?

A. I taught fourth, then second, then I spent 16 years in first grade before becoming a guidance counselor. I went over to Jackson Elementary for a year, but this was home. So I came back. Then I was assistant principal. I became principal in 1996.

Q. That's a long time in one place.

A. It's been wonderful. Continuity is a great thing. I've taught so many of the parents, and you become part of the community.

Q. Share one thing you're proud of.

A. Our motto is 'Whatever It Takes,' from the book by Richard DuFour.

Every staff meeting, we give out the Whatever It Takes to get something done for children award. The person who wins has to give it out the next time.

Q. Where were you raised?

A. I was born in Waterford, near Eire, Pa., in 1946. We lived there through ninth grade. General Telephone transferred Dad to Tampa when I was 14, and I was not happy. But you look back and that's what builds character. You learn to deal with different things.

Q. What high school did you attend?

A. Chamberlain 1964. Then I went to USF. I got my master's in early childhood around 1976. Then I added guidance and later educational leadership.

Q. When were you married?

A. I married Jim Black in 1965. We have two boys. Christopher 42 works in insurance; his wife is assistant principal at Cork. Alan 38 is assistant principal at Knights Elementary; his wife teaches kindergarten at FishHawk. I'm really proud.

Q. Are you glad you ended up in Plant City?

A. We moved here because Jim taught P.E. at the old Tomlin. That was a good decision. I feel like I've been here forever. This is a great community to raise children. I'm so happy we're here. I think, 'Oh my goodness; God had a hand in that.'

Q. How many students attend Springhead?

A. 885. We'll probably hit 900 this year. We peak in January.

Q. How about staff?

A. Around 50 teachers; 103 on staff total.

Q. What makes the school unique?

A. This is a truly wonderful place. I've made it my business to know these children. We set high expectations academically, but we have a wonderful character education program, too; we try to do the whole thing. There's a sense of trust here.

Q. What is the big challenge for schools?

A. Accountability is great, but with all the pressure of FCAT and those kinds of things, teacher morale is a challenge. There's a lot of pressure on teachers. They want to do well, but it seems there's more and more of it.

Q. What makes you optimistic?

A. We have so many teachers who care. And we have great kids here; they are our future. You look in their little faces and you sense it.

Q. What are you reading?

A. I read a lot. I just finished 'Quiet Strength' by Tony Dungy. Then "A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future," by Daniel H. Pink. I'm a little right-brained myself.

Q. Any advice for future teachers?

A. Go for it; you won't be sorry. You're never going to be rich with money - but there's so much more to it, so many rewards.

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. I read a lot. We have six grandchildren. My husband coaches soccer and we follow that. We're active in the Relay for Life. And we like to travel. Then I love to cook; I'm looking forward to cooking more. I get great satisfaction out of everybody enjoying the food.

Q. Who are your mentors?

A. My grandmother was just such a wonderful person and a Christian lady; I learned a lot from her. Then at Chamberlain High School I got involved in journalism, I was editor of the yearbook. Miss Verna Cox helped me such a lot.

Q. If you could have lunch with anybody in the world?

A. You know ... maybe Oprah?

Q. When do you retire?

A. My last day here is Jan. 25.

Q. In summary?

A. I'm blessed to have been able to work at a place that I love. I always have fresh flowers on my desk - life is just too short not to enjoy.

You just have to make the most of every day. Because nice matters - I try to preach that every day.

Is there someone you would like profiled? Call Derek Maul at (813) 245-2304 or e-mail him at derekmaul@gmail.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT