THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 27, 1995 TAG: 9508250207
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Back to School
SOURCE: BY VANEE VINES, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
It's one of the most frequently told tales about Samuel B. Jones: the Herculean stunt he pulled while teaching sixth-grade social studies in Franklin nearly 25 years ago.
There were two students who simply wouldn't stop talking, Jones recalled. So, after all else failed, he walked over to them. And, without saying a word, he hoisted the boys - desks and all - for the entire class to see. He glared at each of them before returning the bewildered pair to the floor.
And they kept quiet.
Jones, the new principal of Nansemond River High, says he went overboard that day. But his reputation as a firm, hands-on educator has stuck. However, it's his commitment to teamwork, and his belief that educators must be willing to change, that he likes to emphasize.
``I believe in getting out there and getting involved. You cannot run a school by walking down the hall hollering and screaming. I believe in establishing relationships with students, teachers, everybody so we can all understand the expectations and the goals.''
Jones, 50, succeeds Assistant Superintendent Parris D. Carson, who was Nansemond River's interim principal for most of the past year. Carson stepped in when the district reassigned former Nansemond River Principal Allen E. Breland to the Facilities and Planning Department.
Jones said he sought the job because he wanted a new challenge after leading Franklin City High for eight years. One of his top goals is to help polish Nansemond River's image, he said.
``A lot of people say, `What good can come out of Nansemond River?' because the school has a negative reputation or image for violence and whatnot. Well, there's a lot of good here. There are good parents, good teachers, good students. . . . Everybody has to work together and be accountable for their part in making things better.''
Jones met with a group of student leaders this month to introduce himself, hear their concerns and enlist their support in raising school spirit.
He also said he would meet with teachers individually to find out what plans they had made to improve some part of their classroom technique this year. Educators shouldn't expect better academic results, he said, if they cling to ineffective methods and practices.
Jones' mother, a former teacher, inspired him to enter the profession. As Franklin High's principal, he earned a name for himself by stressing continuous achievement gains and encouraging teachers to help him come up with solutions to school problems. Franklin High is a nominee for a Blue Ribbon Award given to the country's top schools.
Jones has covered ground that Suffolk is now ready to explore.
This year, for example, both Nansemond River and Lakeland High will experiment with block scheduling as a way to stretch classes' potential. It basically doubles the consecutive time students spend in some classes, providing more opportunities for in-depth lessons and creative projects. Franklin High took that path several years ago.
The principal, a self-described workaholic, says he's excited about the new job. Still, he'll miss the personal contact a small school affords. Nansemond River's student enrollment of 1,350 is about twice as large as Franklin's.
``I won't be able to get to know as many students that well, or really be involved in just about everything in the school,'' he said.
On the other hand, ``If you're going to make a difference in what you do, you're going to have to target people to help you.'' MEMO: THE PRINCIPAL
Who: Samuel B. Jones
What: Nansemond River High School principal
Age: 50
Education: Bachelor's degree in social science education, St. Paul's
College; master's degree in educational administration and supervision,
Virginia State College
Work experience: Franklin City teacher for two years; Southampton
County assistant principal; upper, middle and high school principal in
Franklin City from 1974 to 1995
Family: Married; two grown children
Residence: New Road, Suffolk
Hobbies: Gardening, hunting, fishing, bicycling
Hometown: Chase City, Va.
How he sees himself: A ``people person,'' a workaholic
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Samuel B. Jones: looking for teamwork, willingness to change
by CNB