‘Seamless’
Principal Millins talks about his transition to Pine Island Elementary
Principal Tom Millins says his transition to Pine Island has been seamless even with the challenges of COVID-19.
“Although my official start date was not until July 1, I met with former principal, Mr. Hook, and key personnel, including Mendy Nelson and Shannon Schaal. We spent countless hours making sure my transition was seamless. They provided excellent feedback on school initiatives and provided me with an excellent pulse of the school.
“In the initial meetings, I knew how special Pine Island Elementary really was,”he continued. “As we transition to mid-year, I still work with Ms. Nelson and Ms. Schaal to guide the school in a positive direction.”
He said he had three main initiatives in taking the job — academics, school safety and building relationships with staff, students and the community. Although Millins said the transition has been smooth, he admits that there have been some challenges.
“There are so many things I would like to do at Pine Island Elementary, but I must remember we are in very unique times and I have to take baby steps,” Millins said. “The first step is to build relationships and develop trust with the staff and students and that is what I am concentrating on at this time. I am getting to know them and they are getting to know me. The staff has been excellent and very welcoming. I stand behind them and support them and that trust will grow as we continue on.”
Millins said his team has spent countless hours developing processes and procedures for every safety measure possible.
“These procedures were discussed when teachers returned from summer break and we review them constantly as the year proceeds. We follow all district procedures to the letter to ensure we are keeping all stakeholders safe,” Millins said.
In keeping with the tradition of PIE, Millins has tried to minimize bumps in the road that come with any changes to school administration.
“Since my arrival, we have made minor changes, many of them are because of COVID procedures, but what I have learned at PIE is that the teachers are very professional and know how to do their jobs. I have been at many schools in my career and without a doubt PIE has the best teachers and staff,” said Millins. “Some of the major changes were transitioning the bus ramp and parent pick up ramps. We also implemented a new way to dismiss students at the end of the day, that not only socially distances students from one another, but has been proven to be much safer and faster.”
In addition, to ensure social distancing guidelines, Millins said the students eat breakfast in their classrooms in the morning instead of the cafe. This, he explained, keeps cohorts together to ensure cross contamination is not happening.
Like any good leader, Millins credits his team for the victory of each day at the school.
“Without hesitation, the teachers and support staff are the greatest things about this school,”he said. “The staff is so dedicated and committed to the success of every child. Also, the students are awesome! I am so impressed by their academic standing, their behavior and their attitude toward learning. Lastly, the community has been simply awesome.”
Millins wants to thank many in particular who were key to his successful transition into his role at PIE.
“There are so many restaurants, including the Island Grill, Little Lilly’s, El Pollo Rico, The Olde Fish House and many others, that have blessed us with lunches since the beginning of the year,” said Millins. “Also, organizations and business like HONC, Tarpon Lodge, Stearns Builders and many others that have financially provided funds to make the little things happen.”
He said in addition, great organizations like the Kiwanis, Beacon of Hope, Bobby Holloway, Moose Lodge, the Pine Island Fire Department and the Matlacha Hookers are just some of so many that have graciously supported Pine Island Elementary.
“These items,” said Millins, “are just the tip of the iceberg of what the next steps are — running, managing and leading a school. We are already looking to the future and what the plans are to ensure the continued success of Pine Island Elementary.”