Administrative team prepares to open new grades 5-6 school this fall
August 28, 2017
At Horizon Middle School West Campus the word is “new” as the school’s new administrative team prepares to open the district’s new grades 5-6 school this fall.
“We are busy getting ready for staff and students, and our goal is to be prepared to help them learn and grow,” said Carla Smith, Horizon West principal. “Our goal for the new school year is to welcome all of our students to Horizon West.”
For Ben Dimond, Horizon West assistant principal, the new school year means a “new building, new system, new adults to meet and work with, and meeting more than 1,100 students and finding out how I can support them.”
Smith was named the principal of the grades 5-6 school effective July 1. Prior to that she was principal of S.G. Reinertsen Elementary for two years and assistant principal for one year. She previously taught at Ellen Hopkins Elementary School and Horizon Middle School.
As principal, Smith will be supporting Horizon West teachers so they can serve the students. She looks forward to getting to know students from all the elementary schools and those new to Moorhead Area Public Schools.
“I can’t wait to welcome students into the beautiful new spaces and to see them learning and growing in such a flexible and engaging setting,” she said.
Dimond was previously a counselor at Willmar (Minn.) Senior High School for four years and an English teacher in Beijing for a year. His responsibilities will include helping to set up systems so teachers have what they need to be successful and students come ready to learn.
“My goal is that the adults in our building are able to set a tone of respect and create a hunger for learning for the students,” Dimond said. “I am excited to help plan unique opportunities for students.”
Dimond appreciates the welcoming community he has found in Moorhead.
“I am excited to build relationships in this district and find out how I can be a part of the excitement here,” he said.
Smith loves the inclusiveness of the community.
“We have a rich and diverse population, and everyone brings something special to our city,” she said. “I also enjoy all the opportunities that exist for education and the arts in our community.”
Photo caption:
During an administrative meeting, Carla Smith, principal, and Ben Dimond, assistant principal, review ideas for Horizon Middle School West Campus.
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