During National Principals Month, we’re celebrating what it means to Experience Bryant through the eyes of our principals.
Springhill principal DeborahTazelaar finds joy in watching students discover their strengths, supporting teachers, and building relationships with families. Her goal is for every child to feel safe, loved, challenged, and excited to come to school.
What makes your campus special to you?
Springhill is special to me because it is so much more than a school; it is a family and a place that holds a huge piece of my heart. I have the privilege of watching our students grow, discover their strengths, and realize that they are capable of doing great things. I have watched teachers pour their hearts into children, support one another, take risks, and continually work to become better for our students. I have watched families trust us with the people who mean the most to them. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at Springhill, but the awards, scores, and recognitions are not what make this place special to me. It is the relationships, the laughter in the hallways, the celebrations, the challenges we have overcome together, and all of those little moments that remind me why this work matters. Springhill has grown and changed over the years, and so have I. This school has challenged me, taught me, and given me countless memories that I will always treasure. Most of all, Springhill is special to me because of the people who walk through its doors every day.
Share one thing you want families to know about your school this year.
One thing I want my families to know is that every child at Springhill matters! I want your child to feel safe, loved, challenged, and excited to come to school each day.
What is your favorite school tradition?
My favorite Springhill tradition is Leader in Me. I love watching our students discover the leader within themselves and learn that leadership isn’t about being in charge, it’s about making good choices, taking responsibility, setting goals, and helping others succeed. Seeing our students use the 8 Habits, take on leadership roles throughout our school, and celebrate one another makes me incredibly proud. Leader in Me isn’t just something we do at Springhill, it has become part of who we are.
Where is a place on campus you love?
One of my favorite places on campus is our hallways. I love walking through the school and seeing our students learning, leading, and proudly displaying their work. The hallways tell the story of Springhill, from our Leader in Me culture and student leadership to the smiles, conversations, and hugs I get along the way. It’s where I get to see the heart of our school in action every day!
What is something your students do that makes you proud?
I am most proud when I see our students leading without being asked. Whether they are helping a younger student, encouraging a friend, taking responsibility for their choices, or stepping up in one of their school wide leadership jobs, those moments remind me that we are preparing them for so much more than academics. Seeing our Eagles use the 8 Habits and choose to make a difference makes my principal heart very proud!
What do you enjoy most about leading your school?
What I enjoy most about leading Springhill is the people. I love building relationships with our students, staff, and families and watching everyone grow together. I get to celebrate others, encourage them through challenges, and help create a school where everyone feels like they belong.
