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Valley High’s new principal has had a smooth transition mid-school year with the support of teachers, staff and Chambers County School District staff. 

Wendy Robinson took over leadership as the third principal in the last couple of years. Robinson said the transition has been a smooth one despite frequent snow days. 

“It’s been a good adjustment,” Robinson said. The kids and the teachers, they all already know me, so I have good relationships with the teachers and students.”

Robinson has served in the school district since 2006 when she started as a teacher at Huguley Elementary School where she taught for 14 years. In 2021, she made the transition from the classroom to administration when she became the assistant principal at Valley High School.

“It’s just a passion to me to see students, and now teachers, when I can see progress, that makes me excited,” the principal said. 

For Robinson, teaching has always been a passion. Later in her teaching career, though, she became inspired to pursue educational administration with the hopes of reaching more students.

“I could reach more kids from an administrative position than just the 18 I teach,” Robinson recalled thinking.

Born and raised in Chambers County, Robinson said she has been glad to raise her children in the school system and continue to invest in it. As a CCSD parent herself, it’s important to her to see the district improve for the sake of the students.

“We’ve got to put the needs of the kids first,” Robinson said. 

Robinson has hit the ground running with her action plan to address the state report cards that were recently released. At Valley High, she said, they have already implemented training for teachers from the Bailey Education Group. Classes are also integrating ACT preparation. 

As for the attendance grade, Robinson said they will be implementing incentives for teachers and students, such as a “jeans day” pass. 

Ultimately, she said the goal is to create a positive climate so that students want to be here. Robinson also hopes to get parents more involved in school activities and news. 

Robinson has a vested interest in making the school the best it can be, not just as an educator and almost lifelong resident but also a CCSD parent herself. She said their goal at the high school is to cultivate responsible citizens out of their students. 

“The goal is not for them to leave the community, but so that we give them the skills that they need to then turn around and be productive citizens for our community,” she said. 

VHS’s new principal is dedicated to creating unity ahead of the Chambers County School’s consolidation. 

“I want us all to come together and support each other — teachers, students, parents, community — and do what’s best for our kids and make sure that our students have what they need to be successful,” Robinson said.

Looking ahead, Robinson’s goal is to foster a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for the students and teachers of Valley and LaFayette.

“Our focus needs to be on what is best for the kids, not just at Valley High School but also LaFayette,” Robinson said.