August 2024 Alumni Spotlights: Wendy Ivey (FCHS ’88) and Michelle Ginkins (NAHS ’00)
We are delighted to feature two remarkable leaders who have left a lasting mark on the New Albany Floyd County Consolidated School (NAFC) district. Wendy Ivey (FCHS ‘88) and Michelle Ginkins (NAHS ‘00) have each dedicated their careers to the education and betterment of students within our community. Both have been honored with the “Principal of the Year” award for their respective grade levels, a testament to their exceptional leadership and commitment to servant leadership. Their journeys, rooted deeply in our school district, reflect their unwavering dedication and the profound impact they’ve made on countless lives.
As we celebrate these two outstanding alumni, we are reminded of the profound impact that dedicated educators like Wendy Ivey and Michelle Ginkins have on our school district. Their stories inspire us to continue striving for excellence and fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment for all students.
Excerpt from the August 2024 Legacy Ledger (Issue 48):
Wendy Ivey (FCHS ‘88):
A Journey of Compassion and Excellence
Wendy Ivey has dedicated over three decades to the field of education, culminating in her recognition as the “Middle School Principal of the Year” for District 12 by the Indiana Association of School Principals. Currently serving as the Principal of Highland Hills Middle School, Wendy’s journey demonstrates her commitment to creating high-quality learning environments and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence.
Wendy’s educational career began at Scribner Junior High, where she taught mathematics to 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. She then moved to Floyd Knobs Elementary, where she spent 11 years teaching various grades and helped develop Wendy Ivey (FCHS ‘88): A Journey of Compassion and Excellence and implement the High Ability program, one of the first in Indiana. Her administrative roles have included serving as Assistant Principal at Fairmont Elementary, where she contributed to the school’s Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award, and as Principal at Greenville Elementary, where she oversaw a major building renovation and expansion project.
At Highland Hills Middle School, Wendy leads a team of approximately 140 staff members, fostering a nurturing and high-achieving environment. Her leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by the principles of servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of empathy, high standards, and the belief that true success comes from helping others succeed. “Having compassion for my school community is part of the school improvement process,” Wendy notes. “It’s important to make time to listen, show compassion, yet not enable others.”
Wendy’s commitment to her students and staff is evident in her daily practices and the programs she has initiated. She started the Gifted & Talented Magnet Program for grades 3-6 in the NAFC district and played a key role in establishing the All Pro Dads Program, which now operates in over nine schools. Under her leadership, Highland Hills Middle School has been recognized as an inaugural Purple Star School, demonstrating a significant commitment to supporting military families.
Reflecting on her recognition as “Middle School Principal of the Year,” Wendy humbly attributes her success to the collective efforts of her team. Her advice to new educators is simple yet profound: “Love what you do no matter what you do. Follow that passion. Know that on your toughest days, you are not alone.” Wendy believes it is our responsibility to bring up great leaders who will carry on once we are no longer there.
Looking to the future, Wendy is excited about the potential for growth and innovation in education. She is particularly enthusiastic about the expanding early childhood/preschool programming and exploring the possibilities of AI to enhance learning. Her dedication to building and maintaining relationships, establishing clear systems, and focusing on learning continues to drive her passion for education.
Michelle Ginkins (NAHS ‘00):
Dedicated to Student-Centered Leadership
Michelle Ginkins has spent her entire career within the NAFC school district, where she now serves as the Principal of New Albany High School. Her journey, marked by dedication and a student-centered approach, has earned her the title of “High School Principal of the Year” for District 12 by the Indiana Association of School Principals.
Michelle’s connection to New Albany High School runs deep. She attended Green Valley Elementary and Scribner Middle School, and then she moved on to New Albany High School. After college, Michelle returned to New Albany High School to start her career in education. She began as a
cheer coach while still in college, then became a student teacher, and eventually accepted her first teaching position at New Albany High School. Her professional journey has continued at New Albany High School, where she has served in various roles, including mathematics teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and now Principal.
Michelle’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to adapt to the diverse needs of her school community. In her award essay, she emphasized the importance of utilizing multiple leadership styles to adapt to varied backgrounds, strengths, and goals. “I must lead in such a way that results in personalized opportunities and environments for students,” she explains. This commitment to personalization and collaboration has been central to her success.
One of Michelle’s most notable achievements is the establishment of the Bulldog Scholars program, which supports high-achieving, under-represented students in pursuing rigorous academic paths. The program has significantly increased scholarship offers for its participants. She also spearheaded the transition from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme to the AP Capstone program, resulting in greater student participation and more benefits for the school community.
Michelle’s passion for education is driven by her love for the students and the school community. “Each day I feel lucky to be at New Albany High School,” she shares. Her focus on creating a positive and supportive environment is reflected in her daily interactions with faculty and students. She encourages new educators to prioritize their students and maintain a student-focused approach, believing that “if you are here for the children, then the other stuff won’t matter.”
Looking ahead, Michelle is excited about the future of education in the NAFC district. She is committed to meeting the evolving needs of students and believes that the efforts invested in students will yield significant rewards for both teachers and students. Michelle is particularly enthusiastic about expanding programs that foster student growth and success, such as the Advanced Placement and Bulldog Scholars programs, which have already shown a remarkable impact on student achievement and scholarship opportunities.
Michelle’s dedication to systems thinking and student-focused decision-making continues to shape her leadership. She values work ethic, a principle instilled in her by her single mother and grandmother, and strives to model resilience and productivity for her school community. Her belief in the transformative power of education and her commitment to making a difference in students’ lives is evident in all she does.
Read the entire August 2024 Legacy Ledger (Issue 48).