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New Principals Named at KCPS
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Welcome to our new KCPS principals!
We have several new building principals joining us for the 2024-25 school year, or who have already joined us. They are all fantastic individuals with incredible personal & professional experience we believe will greatly serve the students, staff & families of the KCPS community!
Principal Michelle Aguirre-Hill, Foreign Language Academy
Principal Aguirre-Hill has given KCPS over 15 years of dedication and educational expertise, as a PE teacher, classroom teacher, administrator, vice principal, and now principal. Most recently, Principal Aguirre-Hill served as vice principal at Foreign Language Academy, so she is well-versed with the school's staff, students, families & fantastic culture!
Principal Aguirre-Hill was born & raised in Puerto Rico, earning her teaching degree from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. She moved to Kansas City in 2008 and began her teacher career in KCPS as a PE teacher at James Elementary. She later became a classroom teacher, and has also served over the years as a mentor teacher, grade-level chairperson, literacy coach, International Baccalaureate coordinator & professional development chair.
Principal Aguirre-Hill has received multiple special recognitions over the years. She was FLA's first ever Teacher of the Year in 2016-17 and received the Leading Educators National Student Impact Award for her work in raising student achievement in literacy.
We are ecstatic to have Principal Aguirre-Hill in this leadership role, and we know she will continue to be an incredibly impactful leader for FLA & all of KCPS.
Principal Uli Schneider, Gladstone Elementary
Ulrike (Uli) Schneider has over 30 years of experience in education, focusing on music education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction, and leadership and team-building training. Uli holds a Master of Arts in Elementary Administration, as well as a Master's Degree in Music Education, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Originally from Berlin, Germany, her global perspective and dedication to individualizing student instruction reflect her passion for facilitating learning and enhancing the educational experience for both students and educators.
Uli has been a champion for Gladstone Elementary since 2004, showcasing her commitment by enriching the educational experience for all stakeholders through collaboration with Instruction Partners, Gladstone’s educational consultants, and increasing community involvement. Her multifaceted expertise and dedication to fostering a love for learning and an innovative approach to education make her a valuable asset to Gladstone Elementary and Kansas City Public Schools.
Principal Michelle Dickerson, King Elementary
A note from Mrs. Dickerson:
I am Mrs. Michelle Dickerson, the new principal of King Elementary School. I am not new to instructional leadership, and I am looking forward to continuing to apply that strength here in KCPS. I am a product of KCPS and have served in various roles for 28 years.
I earned a master's degree in curriculum & instruction from Avila University and in TESOL from Webster University. I completed my administration certification through Northwest Missouri State Turnaround School Leadership Program, later earning my Education Specialist Degree in Urban Leadership and Policy Studies from UMKC.
I am excited about collaborating with staff, students, parents and the community as we restore hope in the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through education.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Michelle Dickerson
Principal Melissa Zirkel, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Middle School
Since 2013, Ms. Melissa Zirkel has worked her entire career at KCPS, as a teacher, instructional coach & vice principal. She is now humbled to accept her new role as principal at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Middle School.
During her tenure in the district, Ms. Zirkel has had the privilege and honor of working with students and teachers, growing their capacity for high achievement. One of her biggest accomplishments in her own teaching career at Whittier Elementary School was a three-year loop with students from first to third grade, resulting in over 70% of students scoring proficient/advanced on the state assessment.
Additionally, Ms. Zirkel has enjoyed various leadership opportunities, most notably serving as the Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team Leader. During her time at each of the elementary and middle school buildings in which she worked, she led schools to achieve recognition at the state level for implementation of exemplary social/emotional systems of support for students. In June 2024, she will accept an award on behalf of Lincoln Middle for exemplary implementation of PBIS at all three-tiered levels, receiving gold recognition. For these accomplishments and others within KCPS, Ms. Zirkel has also been recognized for her nomination for the Excellence in Education Award.
In her spare time, Melissa also enjoys working as an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City, teaching courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She also enjoys performing with the Kansas City Wind Symphony. Grounded in her vision, Ms. Zirkel is committed to cultivating a school that leads teachers and students to achieve high levels of academic and behavioral success both in and outside of their school community.
Principal Bryan Shaw, Southeast High School
Many of you already know Dr. Bryan Shaw from his previous administrative roles with Southeast High School and Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, along with his role as acting principal of Southeast for much of this school year. Dr. Shaw has given many years of service to KCPS, and he is an outstanding educational professional.
We are proud of Dr. Shaw’s leadership and ability to connect with students, staff and families during his time at KCPS. We have full confidence that he will continue to bring that personable, successful attitude to his role as principal of Southeast High School.
We are excited to introduce you to Dr. Shaw so he can share his vision to continue building a robust school community.
Principal Laura McKenzie, Holliday Montessori School
As the new principal for Holliday Montessori School, I am humbled and excited for what the future will bring for us as a school community. I had the pleasure of meeting many of you during a recent meet-and-greet, but even if we have not crossed paths yet, I look forward to working with each and every one of you to serve the children of our community, our amazing staff members, and area families.
Most recently, you have probably known me as Holliday’s vice principal. As I step into the role of principal, this is a duty with heavy responsibilities that I take very seriously. Every thing we do will be in service of our students, families and staff members. Every decision will be viewed through the lens of making our school better, celebrating our students’ achievements, and working toward a successful future for all. I am thrilled to have worked with most of you before at Holliday, so I know we have the people and strategies in place to push forward and continue our upward trajectory as a school community.
Alisha Glover, Northeast High School
Principal Alisha Glover brings over a decade of experience in education as a teacher, interventionist, College & Career director, instructional coach and vice principal. Most recently, you may have known her as the vice principal at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Middle School.
In her various roles, Principal Glover has increased teacher retention, successfully designed and implemented professional development, and leveraged data to ensure student success. Ms. Glover believes in fostering a high-performance environment through positive climate and culture, student voice, and parent involvement.
She is thrilled to accept her new role as principal at Northeast High School, and we know she will do a fantastic job.
Allenda Wilson, Northeast Middle School
A note from Dr. Allenda Wilson:
'Greetings, my name is Dr. Allenda Wilson, and I have served Kansas City Public Schools for 25 years. I worked as an English teacher, Department Chair, class sponsor, Women’s Empowerment Coordinator, Awesome Ambitions Coordinator, and Instructional Coach servicing students from Southeast High School, Northeast High School, Central High School, and most recently, Vice Principal at Northeast Middle School.
I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Trident University International. I am the mother of one beautiful daughter named Madison and two adopted grandsons (Noah & Jeremiah).
I plan to work hard to ensure that our students receive the best education possible at NEMS and that all students are treated with dignity and respect. I look forward to a great year with great educators and great students.'