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Schools

New Hyattsville Middle Principal Works to Improve Student Achievement

Improving test scores and parent involvement top the new HMS principal's list of goals.

Even though Susie Long has been working in the Prince George's County School system for the past 32 years, this is her first year not only as principal of Hyattsville Middle School but as a principal at all.

"I've done everything from being a specialist to teaching to working as a paraprofessional," said the Shreveport, La., native. "Coming back to the school building made sense to me because I had all of this knowledge in all of these areas, but I wanted the opportunity to see how I could [share that with teachers and students]."

HMS PTA president Errick King said he is pleased with the way Long is working with parents to help the school.

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"She's been very open and very informative," he said. "We have access to her continuously and she always shares information she has."

One way Long has shared information is by letting the PTA know what areas students are struggling with on the Maryland Student Assessments, something King said he plans to use to initiate targeted tutoring.

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"We want to help the school improve their MSA scores … by raising funds to provide tutoring after school," King said.

King said he likes that Long is focusing on student achievement and improvement.

"Dr. Long is presenting a positive learning environment," he said. "And she's made academics a priority. I would like to see that for the school overall."

Student achievement and special education have always been important areas of study for Long. She earned a masters degree in school administration and supervision in 1997 and then her education doctorate in special education and student preparation in 2007 from George Washington University.

"My passion has always been about improving student growth, especially with at-risk students," she said.

Long taught students with hearing disabilities at middle schools in the county before becoming a regional special education specialist and then an instructional specialist. Her time teaching middle school is what she says brought her back to seventh- and eighth-graders.

"I'm very familiar with this age group," she said. "I think it's the most difficult but the most precious age group. It's the most difficult time [for students], developmentally. And I thought it would be a good way to apply my skills."

As for as her first experience as a principal, Long said she finds it challenging and exciting.

"I didn't expect the fast pace of the job. And the decision making is nonstop from the time you walk through the door until you shut down for the day. And there are extremely long hours," she said. "But what I find exhilarating is that … I'm not so fearful that I'm ready to pick up and leave. I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."

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