THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 17, 1996 TAG: 9605170475
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY VANEE VINES, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Good principals set the tone for their schools, creating an atmosphere of ``can-do'' optimism and cooperation.
Gordon Ellsworth says he tries to do that at Douglass Park Elementary by giving staffers freedom to run with their ideas, while also reminding students and teachers that they're capable of accomplishing great things.
The Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals recently honored Ellsworth for pulling that off.
The group selected Ellsworth, 42, this year's most outstanding elementary school principal in the state. He'll join other top-notch elementary school principals from across the country at a White House ceremony later this year.
Ellsworth, a former physical education teacher, was among hundreds of teachers nominated from Virginia school districts. A school employee nominated him.
``I just like to think of the school as a place where dreams can come true - for students and the staff,'' he said. ``The award is really one that recognizes the entire school. You couldn't get a better staff than the one I have.''
The Richmond-based group announced its pick after reviewing finalists' achievements and conducting personal interviews.
Mary Carter, a Fairfax County educator and the group's president, described Ellsworth as a ``dedicated and enthusiastic principal who goes far beyond the call of duty.''
He's known as someone who leads by example.
When fourth-grade teacher Paul Ratcliff struggled to get a lesson across when he first joined the staff nearly three years ago., Ellsworth, on a routine visit, stepped in and helped.
But he didn't ``take over,'' Ratcliff said. Ellsworth simply showed Ratcliff how to get the job done most effectively.
``He's always right there with us,'' Ratcliff said. ``He doesn't ask the staff to do things he doesn't do himself.''
In the past five years, Douglass Park, which has an Earth and space magnet program, has twice earned the district's Most Improved Elementary School Award.
Everyone from School Board members to parents routinely praise the school for its ability to keep kids motivated.
Many attribute much of the school's progress to Ellsworth, who's been the principal for five years.
``He's good with the students,'' said parent Cheryl Martin. ``He's willing to help all of them.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Gordon Ellsworth is principal at Douglass Park Elementary.
by CNB