Falcon’s newest principal, Mrs. Melissa George, came to us just a few short months ago from Kempsville High School, where she was the principal for seven years. As a CHS alum, George looked forward to returning, bringing a little piece of all she has learned over the years with her. Faculty, staff, and students welcome the change in administration and look forward to soaring into a bright future.
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself, your career journey, and how you started.
A: “I just finished my 30th year in education, and I started teaching at Maury High School in Norfolk. I was an English teacher there for 10 years, and then I went to Azalea Gardens Middle School for two years. Then I came to Virginia Beach and taught for three years in a middle school classroom. I then became a school improvement specialist. I then became an assistant principal at Kempsville for six years and the principal for seven years. Prior, I went to college at ODU and Regent.”
Q: How did you feel when you heard you were coming to Cox?
A: “Mixed feelings because I was at Kempsville for so long, 13 years, so it was kind of like my home, like I never wanna leave Kempsville. But then I was like, I get to go back to my alma mater, like to be the principal of the high school I went to, like how often does that happen? So then the excitement kind of grew, and then I almost felt guilty because I was getting excited about leaving. After all, I didn’t want Kempsville to think I was forgetting about them, so you know it was kind of this mixed bag. But it started to really resonate with me what a unique opportunity I had to be back here.”
Q: What new energy do you hope to bring to Cox?
A: “I just hope that we get energetic about the traditions we have, but also find new traditions. Like, one we bring into Cox High School that is going to be unique to the group of students who are here. Also, for the students to be comfortable with each other and to talk. I just want people to feel like they belong here and that they have a place here at Cox.”
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a principal?
A: “Getting to know a variety of students, you know, and just knowing them differently than when you’re in the classroom, because I don’t really have any ties like grading assignments and teaching. I just got to know you as a student, and I enjoy watching everybody go through their four years. Watching students walk onto the stage at graduation is one of my favorite times to see everybody, especially if I’ve been with you all four years. I enjoy seeing you graduate and shaking your hand, and sending you off to your future.”
Q: As you have previous experience in this position, what lessons have you learned, and how will that impact what you do for the school this year?
A: “I’ve learned that you have to be patient, you have to take your time and learn your environment, learn the people, and not rush into things. That’s not my nature; I’m not a very patient person, so I have to remind myself of that all the time. And you know it’s different going into a new principal position, having been a principal at another school, because like I know this is how it’s supposed to be versus I don’t know what I’m doing now and I’m still figuring it out. I also think there’s more confidence this time around, and I tell myself that I’m having a lot more fun with it; it’s been a fun time and a different feeling.”
Q: How do you think positivity plays a role in a position such as your own?
A: “It’s huge. I think the way someone in a leadership position should have a positive attitude toward things is going to give sort of direction for everybody else’s attitude. So you have to bring the energy, and you have to leave whatever issues you have outside of school and just bring that positivity, because if not, you will just drag people down. That’s also why I like to be out in the hallways playing music, it just creates that energetic, positive atmosphere.”
Q: What is one thing that you do to set yourself and your staff up for success?
A: “Take time to listen. Talk to people. The first thing I did was put a survey out to the staff so I could just gather information, and that is what guided me on what I was going to do, and that was their voice. Most of these people have been here for a long time; this is their home. I’m not just going to come and tear it all down, make them start over again, we are just going to level up.”
Q: Do you have any mentors or inspirations? What role have they played in who you are today?
A: “My principal at Maury High School, Dr. Spencer. He was probably the first person who made me realize I could go into administration. I never had any desire to be an administrator. I loved teaching English, so he gave me leadership roles and sent me down that path of administration. So he was a catalyst. I also worked with another principal when I got to Corporate Landing Middle School, Daniel Smith, and he continues to be a mentor. Also, just working beside some great principals at the high school level. We lean on each other a lot, and you find people you can trust and who can share things with. Like, is this the right choice I’m making? And I know that they are going to give you good feedback. I have a couple of high school principals that I lean on and we converse with regularly. Learning from those two principals helped me learn what it takes to be a principal, so I took a lot from them.”
Q: If you had to pick one word to describe yourself as a principal, what would it be and why?
A: “I guess I would say, I guess energetic would come to mind because I try to bring energy no matter what situation I’m in. That would kind of tie with optimism, so I know that’s like two words, but energetic, optimistic, person who wants to see the best in every situation.”
