While Celina Clements is not native to Greencastle, she is quite familiar with the town and is ready to take over the reigns as principal at Greencastle Middle School on July 1.
Clements, who previously served as the principal at Mill Creek West Elementary School, replaces Becky Stephenson, who has been named the district's assistant superintendent.
"I have always loved coming to Greencastle for the restaurants and sporting events, both when I played and coached and when my own children came here for their events. Greencastle has always been a welcoming town, and its teams have also shown great attitudes and determination. I love the feel of the town; a mix of town, county and college all feels inviting to new people," Clements told The Putnam County Post.
Education has been a part of life for Clements since graduating from Indiana University in 2001.
"My path to this degree is very typical. I babysat for many years in middle school/high school and continued working in the summers through college with United Way in Indianapolis. I've always loved being around kids, and I took one introductory course at IU and was hooked. I have always enjoyed my time as an educator, from teaching to assistant principal and principal role. Being a principal is rewarding in different ways, being involved with all students and staff is my favorite part. I have always been able to know each student's name and know a detail about them or their families, and I look forward to doing this at Greencastle Middle School too," Clements noted.
Clements inherits a school that is in the midst of a construction project.
Upgrades include a new office, new media center, a new nurse's station, revamped classrooms and new science classrooms that will feature its own lab.
Clements said she has been in the building and is still learning the school's layout.
"With the new builds I've been able to see, I have been impressed. I am excited to get into the building more frequently this summer. I have received my key and will be able to do that soon. It is tremendously exciting to be at Greencastle; it's a bonus to have an overhauled building. New things are fun, and learning how to use all the new things best suited for student learning is the key," Clements said.
And, with the 2022-23 school year ending and Clements looking forward to the start of the 2023-24 school year, she has a message for her new school, students and families.
"A message to my new students and families is that I want to meet them, say hi and connect with each family. My favorite part of a new school is learning its traditions, values and expectations; the best way to learn this is to meet everyone," Clements said.
