MARYSVILLE – Deann Anguino has expertise in math and science; Rob Lowry in history and language arts.
So together they make the perfect pair to lead the teachers as co-principals at Marysville-Pilchuck High School.
Anguino and Lowry were just named last week, so they are still working out the kinks on what their individual responsibilities will be.
“We’re trying to figure out who does what,” Lowry said.
Anguino added: “We’re winging it. It’s up to us. We consult a lot.”
They, along with new vice principal Lori Stolee, all will supervise teachers. They also are all paired up with a counselor to work on discipline of students.
“That way we can get to know the students to meet their needs,” Anguino said.
The first few days, like always, have been hectic.
“I’m working on kids getting placed in the right class,” Anguino said. “There’s a lot to do as a principal.”
Lowry said: “It’s been positive. The teachers are pumped.”
Anguino started her career as an aerospace engineer, but decided to get out of that field because she was making weapons. She then taught for a number of years before becoming as assistant principal at M-P last year.
“I loved it. It’s like one big family here,” she said.
Lowry has been part of that family since 1980, teaching and then becoming an administrator and coaching wrestling at Marysville Middle School before becoming a vice principal at M-P in 2001.
When it comes to goals for the year, both are focused on the students.
“We don’t want to short-change the kids,” Lowry said.
Anguino said, “We need to focus on engaging students in class.”
Of course for both that means working with the teachers.
For Lowry, that means emphasizing the new Common Core standards. He wants to give students the best chance at passing the new standards. That means coaching teachers.
“It takes a high level of critical thinking and problem-solving” to pass the standards, Lowry said. “We have a good idea about how to go about that — engaging the students.”
Anguino said teachers need to challenge students with activities after having a discussion about what they want to learn.
“Teachers understand it’s all about relationships,” she said.
