Back to School: Meet Principal Redmon

Mr. Redmon will be the principal of Westwood's Thurston Middle School as of the beginning of this school year. In my role as Westwood Patch "Mayor," I recently had the good fortune to interview him.

Heather: What are the most important pieces to your educational philosophy?

Mr. Redmon: Thanks for your questions and willingness to get to know me in my first year as the Thurston Middle School Principal. I am extremely excited to begin the year and I am looking forward to the return of staff and students.

In terms of my educational philosophy, I believe that as educators, we have to engage students in personalized ways that challenge student thinking, peak curiosity, and connect to the real world. I believe in developing skills that will prepare students to be skillful communicators who are confident and kind. I hope education prepares students to contribute in the most positive ways to the community they live in both now and in the future. I believe that my philosophy connects to the values at Thurston which are to Aim High, Work Hard, Do the Right Thing, and Help Someone Else. Ultimately, the goal is to support the growth and development of all students in any and all learning environments.

Heather: As Thurston's racial demographics appear to be more diverse than St. Johnsbury School (18% vs 7%), what experience do you have leading a more diverse student body? As you know, Thurston is when the students who participate in the METCO program begin attending school alongside Westwood students. How do you plan on supporting students going through this change?

Mr. Redmon: In regards to your questions about supporting students and diversity, I plan on leading and supporting a school that is accepting of all kinds of diversity and promotes the acceptance of the differences we all have. I hope that we celebrate differences and see opportunities to learn and grow as a community.

Heather: Ms. Parks' letter on your appointment indicated that your wife is a Westwood High School alumna. What year did she graduate, and does she have any stories about her time at Thurston?

Mr. Redmon: My wife is a Westwood Alumna who attended the Hanlon School, Downey School, Thurston Middle School, and Westwood High School. I have heard many stories over the years from her, but the one thing that stands out is the friendships that she created in the Westwood Schools. She is still friends with people who she met in 2nd and 3rd grade!

Heather: In the Wicked Local article, you mention you did choir and theatre while you were in school. What's one show you'd love to see the Middle School perform?

Mr. Redmon: You asked me about performances for the middle school. I am not sure that there is one particular show that I would like to see the students perform. I think anytime there are students performing whether it be on the stage in a production, a choir performance or an instrumental performance it is special. Growing up I was involved ice-hockey, choir, and theater. The experiences I had through these extracurricular activities taught me a great deal and have helped shape who I am today. Throughout the year, I look forward to seeing Thurston students thrive in the classroom, on the stage, on a field, or in other ways that showcase their skills and abilities such as a art display or piece of creative writing.

Heather: Anything I missed?

Mr. Redmon: In the short time that I have been here, I have been impressed by the skilled and talented staff at Thurston. I am eager to work with each of them and look forward to the work that we will do together. This year is going to be a year that I spend getting to know the staff, students, and community. I hope to learn as much as possible so that I can make informed decisions for the future. The last thing I will say is, since being hired in March, I have had the opportunity to spend some time with some of the students, staff, parents, and community members. I am very thankful of the welcome and support that everyone has given me. I am looking forward to the first day of school!

Again, thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

Thank you, Mr. Redmon for speaking with me and best wishes in your first year as Thurston's principal.

Thurston image from Westwood Patch.

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