Carroll County High School is welcoming Crystal Harris to the helm as the school’s new principal. For Harris, it’s a natural next step in a career focused on student growth, teacher support, and school culture.
“I am very honored and excited to step into the role of principal at Carroll County High School,” Harris said. “I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of every student.”
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes said, “I am excited for Crystal Harris to continue implementing the work that we started three years ago. Working toward being a top 10 high school in the state requires continuity and dedication to improving all areas of CCHS. Mrs. Harris is certainly ready for this position and I am ready to work with her in all aspects of the future of CCHS.”
Harris began her career teaching middle school math before coming to Carroll. No matter where she’s worked, her goal has remained the same.
“My goal as a math teacher was to always make it enjoyable so students wanted to be in the classroom and to learn,” she said. “That’s my goal for anything—that students want to be here and to learn.”
Harris said culture is the foundation for learning and believes positive relationships are key.
“In high school we get kids that are just done and don’t want to be here anymore,” she said. “In the past two and a half years we’ve done a lot of changing with the culture. The students want to be here. When they’re in the building they’re happy, talking to teachers and sharing ideas. Without culture you can’t build academics.”
Now, she’s turning the focus toward instruction and academic growth. Teachers will begin implementing the SERVE model of Start, Engage, Respond, Value, Exit into daily lessons.
“My job isn’t to come in there and spew information to students,” she said. “My job is to teach them and engage them in the learning they’re doing.”
She’s also prioritizing PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) which recognizes good behavior and offers support for students who are in need. “The ultimate goal is to grow as a student, a person, and a citizen,” she said. “We need to be here to support them to become that.”
Moving forward, she wants to increase communication with families through newsletters, parent nights, and regular grade updates. “We are doing great things here,” she said. “We want to make sure we’re communicating that a whole lot better. If a parent doesn’t know, call and ask.”
Harris said she’s excited for the journey ahead and is diligently preparing for the coming school year.
“Carroll County High School has a proud tradition of preparing students for success in college, careers, and life, and I am eager to build upon that foundation. Together, we will ensure that Carroll County High School continues to be a place where excellence thrives.”