After four years as Assistant Principal at PHS, Ms. Hersh has elected to leave for a Principal position at Mt. Pleasant Blythedale. There is no doubt PHS will feel the loss of Ms. Hersh. Her energy, intelligence, and dedication have had a great impact on our school. Before she left, Mercury’s reporter, Paige Hill, had the opportunity to ask Ms. Hersh a few questions.
Why did you make the decision to leave your position as assistant principal here at PHS?
I look at my decision to take the Principalship at Mt. Pleasant Blythedale as an opportunity to move forward in my career as an Educational Leader. 20 years ago, I began as a teaching assistant at the Mt. Pleasant Blythedale School. 4 months later, I accepted a position to fill a Leave Replacement Teaching position in the Yonkers Public School. I taught for 6 months in a 4th-6th grade Special Education Class. The following school year, I continued teaching in Yonkers and took a position as 6th month Leave Replacement Teacher in a Special Education Kindergarten class. As my position was concluding, I received a call from Mt. Pleasant Blythedale informing me that a Teaching position had become available. I interviewed and was appointed in January. I remained at Mt. Pleasant Blythedale in the capacity of teacher, teacher leader, Assistant to the Principal and ultimately Assistant Principal. In my heart, I knew if I was going to grow as an Instructional Leader, I would need to broaden my experiences. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to interview with the Prinicipal and the staff at Peekskill High School. They recommended me to the Superintendent of the Peekskill City Schools to fill the position as Assistant Principal at Peekskill High School. It has truly been an honor to work in such an incredible place!
Do you think you will ever return to PHS? If not, where are hoping to work in the future?
I never know what opportunities will be presented, so I don’t know what my future holds. However, I always make sure I have a plan, including goals, to support my future. I know that through an education, I will have the security to aspire to whatever opportunities come my way. This is why I am pursing my Doctorate at Manhattanville College.
What was your favorite part about PHS?
My most favorite part about PHS are the people I interact with everyday…..the kids, teachers, parents, and fellow colleagues! They are what drive me to do what I love…providing educational opportunities for all!
What will you miss the most about us?
The energy, spirit, and collaboration. We have built strong foundations that I hope will continue to grow and enhance opportunities for all students who pass through the doors at PHS!