THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 9, 1994 TAG: 9410070247
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
SANDRA HARMON HAS LEARNED how to deal with people who assume she's too young to be an assistant principal.
She simply proves them wrong.
Harmon, who took her first job as an assistant principal at 28 in Nottoway, says she knows she's gotten an early start in school administration.
Now 30, Harmon moved from Nottoway in Crewe and became assistant principal at Forest Glen Middle School in Suffolk on Sept. 2.
``I've pushed myself and worked real hard for this position. It's what I want to do. I earned my master's degree while I was teaching full time in Southampton County.''
Harmon says that once co-workers are around her for a while, they realize she is qualified to handle the problems that come up in school administration.
She says she moved to Suffolk because she wanted to be closer to her fiance.
In Suffolk, Harmon's duties include handling discipline. Although most discipline is handled by the teacher in a classroom, Harmon says that when the teacher's reprimands don't work, she steps in.
``The students here are really a lot better behaved than most places. There's only a small percentage of students who are chronic offenders. And most of the time when I see them, it just takes a conference with me and they straighten up. They don't want it to go any further.''
She is also trying to coordinate some new after-school activities for students.
``Something,'' she says, ``they can have fun doing.''
Name: Sandra Harmon
What brought you to Suffolk? I moved from Crewe to be closer to my fiance.
Hometown: Courtland
Birth date: Jan. 20, 1964
Nickname: Sandy
Occupation: Assistant principal at Forest Glen Middle School.
Marital status: Engaged
Favorite movies: Too many to list them all: ``Ghost,'' ``Forrest Gump,'' ``Lady and the Tramp'' and ``Mr. Mom.''
Favorite magazine: ``Better Homes and Gardens''
A book you wish everyone would read: ``Making Things Right,'' by Dr. Paul Faulkner. It's an easy-to-read, personal-attitude adjuster.
Favorite night out on the town: Boat trip to Waterside in Norfolk for dinner and music.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Athens
Favorite food and drink: Pizza and milkshakes.
Few people know . . . that I collect Disney animated movies.
What's the best thing about yourself? My consideration for others.
Worst habit: Procrastination
First thing in the morning: I need coffee.
Pets: Dog named Kahn and cat named Shasta.
Hobbies: Christmas crafts and leisure sports like volleyball, bowling and boating.
Ideal vacation: Cruise to the Carribean islands.
Pet peeve: TV talk shows.
First job: A waitress at an Italian restaurant.
Worst job: Telemarketing coupon books.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Earning a master's degree and becoming an assistant principal.
What would you like on your epitaph? A short Bible verse. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB