Danelle Heikkila, one of the Vice Principals here, will be leaving to take on a position at H.B. Lee Middle school as Principal. She has been a Vice Principal here since 2009, up until this year 2017, a total of eight years. As principal of H.B. Lee, she will be responsible for day-to-day functioning of the school and the instructional program among other things.

“She’s very professional, clear cut, precise with her tasks and objectives that’s how I would describe” Junior Jahmai Judah said.

  She hopes to be able to take her experience, leadership skills and working with other students to help H.B. Lee continue the good work in supporting families and students. She hopes the next chapter in her career is as awesome as this one has been. She also knows spanish has taught spanish at both Sunset and Beaverton High School, on top of also studying abroad in Columbia to fulfill her intercultural skills and improve spanish language.

 “The most memorable moment of this school year was learning that we had won the bond measure and would be able to build a new school that would help students get a better education and be safer for all of us,” Heikkila said. “I can’t think of one most memorable moment of the last eight years, but I have wonderful memories of the games, dances, assemblies, plays, competitions, concerts, and activities that have happened every year.”

  Heikkila will be replaced by former Clear Creek Middle School teacher Erin Voelker.

“Mrs.Voelker was a teacher here at the Gresham Barlow School District for 12 years both at the elementary level and at Clear Creek Middle School. She left to take the assistant principal job at Parkrose Middle School” Principal Michael Schaefer said. “I’m gonna miss Mrs.Heikkila a lot and her strengths and skills, but I am excited for her and her new job too, a new challenge for her.”   

  She also gave some words of advice to her successor.

  “I would tell the new VP to get out into classrooms right away to see all the great work that is going on.  I would also say to have faith in this staff and these students because they really remarkable people,” Heikkila said.

Cindy Sanchez Sophomore said “I hope she enjoys her new position at H.B. Lee and gets to know great students and staff there.”

  The students wish her good luck on her new position at H.B. Lee Middle School.