THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 12, 1994 TAG: 9408110150
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY VANEE VINES, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 89 lines
For better or for worse, Churchland Middle School is considered one of the district's toughest assignments, primarily because bad publicity has given it a black eye in recent years.
Last fall, for example, the son of Portsmouth public defender John H. Underwood reportedly was beaten up by a fellow student while walking to gym class - an incident that highlighted disciplinary problems at the school.
School Board member Leah Stith, whose son is a student there, has complained about what she described as an unpolished image put forth by the school's office staff.
And while Churchland Middle has groomed standouts, many of its students are still failing to reach even the middle of the pack on standardized tests.
Even so, 25-year veteran LaDaniel Gatling is optimistic about his new assignment as its principal. Gatling has replaced Gerard Gavin, the new transportation coordinator, as part of a district reorganization for the upcoming school year.
Churchland Middle, Gatling said, has no more problems than any typical middle school.
What's needed are new or improved methods of dealing with misbehaving students and underachievers, as well as stronger ties to parents, he said.
He hasn't come up with any concrete plans yet, but one of his early goals will be establishing better relationships with his youngest customers: The so-called 'tween-agers.
``I will approach them in a humane way,'' Gatling said. At the same time, he expects students to accept more responsibility for their academic performance or misdeeds in school.
``I'll make it clear that the ball is in their court,'' he said.
Gatling is very concerned about the school's image, however.
``I had been told that the police had to be called every time someone is assaulted or hit,'' he said, referring to the several months he spent at Churchland Middle as a special assistant during the past school year. ``I don't believe it's necessary to call the police every time something happens out there.''
But he does want to crack down on disruptions.
He said he's interested in installing an electronic surveillance system in the three-story building. In addition, he's shopping around for more career-oriented programs to keep students interested in learning and fixed on the future.
Gatling said he typically likes to focus more on issues than individuals, but he plans to fling his arms open to teachers, community residents and especially parents.
``For whatever reasons, I think a lot of the parents out there feel that they haven't been listened to,'' he said. ``I will work toward improving communication so there are no surprises and helping to build their confidence in what we're doing.''
The 59-year-old principal takes particular pride in seeing students beat the odds and succeed.
``I consider those two state championships a highlight of my career,'' he said, referring to the football titles won by the old Woodrow Wilson High School, ``not because of the football per se ... but because of the caliber of students that we had to change the behaviors of, nurture and make sure they were studying.''
No student, he added, should be allowed to fall through the cracks.
``It doesn't become instruction until the person learns,'' he said. ``If it means re-teaching something, then that's what must be done.'' MEMO: RESUME
LaDANIEL GATLING, principal of Churchland Middle School
Age: 59
Residence: Chesapeake
Family: Divorced; one adult son
Education: Bachelor's from Norfolk State University in health and
physical education; master's from Hampton University in counseling,
guidance and secondary administration
Previous position: Special assistant at Churchland Middle School,
where he handled disciplinary matters, among other duties.
Years in district: 25; former principal and assistant principal at
the old Woodrow Wilson High School. Last fall, Gatling had been tapped
to serve as principal of the so-called ``Burger King Academy'' aimed at
potential drop-outs. The administration dropped the idea because of a
money crunch.
Salary: $56,284.80 ILLUSTRATION: File photo
LaDaniel Gatling is optimistic about his assignment as principal of
Churchland Middle School.
by CNB