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Bobcat principal Ethridge-Conti named year's best
“Receiving this recognition is an honor and, honestly, a little overwhelming,” said Amy Ethridge-Conti, principal of Battlefield High School last week about her new title of Principal of the Year for Prince William County Public Schools. “The nature of this job – like any other in education – is to focus on helping students and staff, not thinking about yourself or asking for recognition.”Ethridge-Conti, who was nominated in late November, said she was completely shocked when Michael Mulgrew, associate superintendent for high schools, drove to Haymarket to surprise her just days before winter break.
In a letter of support for the nomination, Battlefield PTO President Sheri McGlothlin wrote that “Managing a high school the size of Battlefield is much like running a small city - full of teenagers.”
Ethridge-Conti, a highly-visible principal, is easily recognized at school events wearing her Battlefield Bobcat purple and black. The principal, who typically puts in 65-70 hours a week, took time last week to reflect on the award and to share her job.
“To me this means there is a shared responsibility for educating and supporting our students,” said the principal about her whole-village approach to making decisions.
“When a student is in crisis, for example, a team of five to six people may be working in conjunction with the parents and teachers of that student to provide the resources needed.”
Ed Stephenson, principal of Reagan Middle School in Haymarket, previously served as vice-principal at Battlefield.
"One of the things that has always impressed me about Amy is the care she takes in her decision-making,” he said. “No matter how busy things are, she always takes the time to consider the effect her choices and the actions of the school will have on all involved parties, particularly students.”
Her incredible sincerity and caring nature have mader her a well-liked administrator.
“She takes the time to stop and talk with both staff and students, as well as attend events that support the departments throughout the school,” said BHS art teacher Erin McGann.
Linda Heartley, former PTO president, agreed. “Ms. Ethridge-Conti is an outstanding leader who has made a difference at Battlefield and is committed to the entire Battlefield family,”
Who does a principal use as a sounding board?
“I am blessed to work in a school where I am surrounded by people who are good listeners and excellent problem solvers,” Ethridge-Conti said. “On a personal note, having a husband who served as both a teacher and a principal has its advantages as well.”
Ethridge-Conti, who is married to John Conti, former principal of Osbourn High School.
“He is able to offer advice from the vantage point of someone who has “lived the life,” she added.
If asked, this teacher-turned-principal would tell a new principal a thing or two, such as the fact that the responsibilities of this job can be overwhelming at times.
“I would probably advise someone new to the job to work on balancing work with family, something difficult to do when you spend 60-70 hours a week at school,” she said.
Her advice to students is “Take advantage of opportunities presented to you, learn from setbacks and disappointments and look for ways to help people along the way.”
The BHS principal admits her favorite part of the day is sitting down with individual students, teachers, and parents.
“Working in a high school with 2,550 students is fast-paced, and I move from email to meetings to observations to hallway/cafeteria supervision to phone calls throughout the day,” she commented. “I love those times when I can sit down and really focus on the thoughts and experiences and struggles of one person.”
As the principal of a school dedicated to technology, Ethridge-Conti said parents and teachers need to work together to help students find the balance between new technology and social etiquette.
“Technology is changing at such a fast pace it is sometimes hard for busy adults to keep track of what is happening,” she said. “Students can quickly master the new technologies, but it is very clear they do not always understand the consequences and implications of using them. Not only can misuse lead to rumors and disagreements among friends, but in some cases there are far more serious consequences.”
Ethridge-Conti said at Battlefield, the staff tries to teach the consequences of misuse because “Clearly things stay in cyberspace indefinitely; something inappropriate that occurs when you are 15 could prevent you from getting a job when you are 25.”
According to her nominators, this principal deserves the award because she fosters an environment in which innovation flourishes.
This past summer, in an effort to raise Advanced Placement (AP) test scores and help struggling students, she supported the creation of an AP Summer Summit to acquaint students with the rigors of these advanced courses..
“Over the next two years, I would also like to see an increase in the number of students who take at least one AP class before graduation,” said the principal.
Another change is the introduction of blended learning, which integrates online courses into the curriculum. Next year, English and government will be offered as online classes to seniors who want to try web-based learning instead of traditional classrooms.
If the pilot is a success, BHS could implement it in other classes in the future.
In addition to creating new programs internally, Ethridge-Conti was also cited for partnering with business and civic leaders to help boost academics and incentives at Battlefield.
“The partnerships we have in place have been absolutely invaluable to our school,” said Ethridge-Conti.” “Many of our original partnerships with companies such as Lockheed, Micron, and SAIC funded the startup of our robotics program, which has enjoyed tremendous success.”
In addition, partnerships with local restaurants have provided students with rewards and incentives and staff members with meals as forms of appreciation. The Rotary, the Ruritans, and New Life Church also work to provide students and their families with assistance in times of need.
“We would not have enjoyed the level of success we have in our first seven years without these businesses and organizations being there,” said Ethridge-Conti who has over 23 years of educational experience as a secondary classroom teacher, coach, sponsor, and guidance counselor, director of student services, assistant principal, and principal.
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