Dear Andrada High School Students, Staff, and Parents,

I am truly honored and privileged to be able to work with all of you as the Principal of Andrada High School. I take this role with the utmost respect and pride. There is much pride in Andrada and a passion for making a difference. This truly is an incredible community.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself. I grew up in a small rural community in Washington. My mother was a dance instructor for over 40 years and my father worked as a drama teacher and then a logger for nearly 40 years. I went back and taught at the high school I graduated from right out of college. I taught math, science, and physical education as well as coached football, basketball, and advised many clubs and classes. I took a chance on a job for the Vail School District at Cienega High School, mainly because I had never experienced anything outside of my small rural community. It was a great move for me because I learned so many different approaches to education and not to mention I met my beautiful wife in new teacher induction at Cienega High School. I continued my science/math teaching as well as coaching football, track, and girl’s golf. I chose to move into administration and became the Freshman Academy Principal at Cienega. I spent 10 years at Cienega High School. As a family [2 girls (currently 27 & 22 years old) and 1 boy (currently 16 years old)], we decided to move back to Washington state to help with my aging parents. Again, this was a great move for my family because we got to spend 4 years with my mother before she passed away. When I moved back I was able to continue my administrative role from Arizona as a Principal and, then as a Superintendent for 3 years. As many of you may experience this, we had to make another decision to move back to Tucson to care for my wife’s aging parents. One thing that I always stress is that family comes first always. My wife took a position as a health teacher at Cienega HS and I took the principal position at Catalina High School.

When the Andrada principal position came open, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. First off, I feel it is critical to live in the community that you work in so we can move the needle for all students hand in hand. My family and I live in Vail and, like you, we are proud of our community and care about all students and families in Vail. From my previous time in Vail, I have always admired Andrada from a far. The school’s focus of preparing each and every student for whatever post-secondary goal they desire resonates with my vision and passion. I feel that Andrada is the high school of the future, today. The incredible pathways that are available to students open up doors to the future. Staff, students, and families of Andrada have set the culture of high expectations as well as a culture of caring to be able to do whatever it takes for students to grow and achieve their goals. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Maverick family and partner with all of you to lead the school and the students to continued greatness.

Education is one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding professions. Education can truly change the world. Your experiences in education set the foundation for who you are and who you can become. I decided to “change the world” because I enjoyed my childhood and my education growing up and I wanted to be able to spread that joy and passion for learning to all students. My passion has and always will be creating a positive and safe atmosphere that sparks enthusiasm for learning and creativity in all students. Every time I see a student understand something for the first time, every time I walk into a classroom and feel the energy, every time I see a student accomplish something that seemed to be insurmountable, it reinvigorates my passion and drives me to work harder. My mission as your Principal is also my passion and is the reason I do what I do. I want students to feel cared for, prepared for the future they choose, and develop that passion to always learn throughout their life. In order to do this as a high school, we must maintain and grow a rigorous teaching and learning environment that provides every student with a sense of belonging while helping students to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially. It is critical to every student’s success that they graduate from high school with the habits of mind and skills necessary to pursue and achieve their goals and dreams.

I deeply believe in a quality and comprehensive education for all students. I take very seriously that you have entrusted the young people of this community to our care and expect our amazing staff to continue to give their best day in and day out.

Thank you for the opportunity to lead Andrada High School. I am proud to be a Maverick.

Yours with Great Pride,

Geoff Parks
Principal
Andrada High School
Phone 520-879-3304
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