PRINT ARTICLE

Print    Close This Window
National Principals Month - Get to Know Dr. Lawson-McKinnie, Mr. McNichols, & Ms. James
Oct. 14, 2020 -- October is National Principals Month, and to celebrate, we're sharing what makes our principals so special. Today, we get to know Dr. Lawson-McKinnie (Heights High), Mr. McNichols (Gearity Elementary), and Ms. James (Fairfax Elementary). 

Dr. Alisa Lawson-McKinnie
Heights High 11th Grade

Where are you from originally, and where did you attend school?
I was born in Lexington, Kentucky. I received my bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State University, my master’s from The Ohio State University, and my doctorate from Cleveland State University.

Where were you working/what were you doing before you became a school principal in CH-UH?
I’ve been a high school principal in Columbus Public Schools and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Why do you love being a school principal?
It is fulfilling to see the aspects that I have a direct hand in making a positive impact on students, teachers, and the school as a whole.

What was your dream job growing up?
Becoming an English teacher was my dream job!

What's your favorite food?
A nice steak dinner with salad and a baked sweet potato is my favorite!

Tell us one fun fact about yourself - a talent, hobby, or anything that makes you unique!
I love to read. I can read books by John Sandford and James Patterson in a day!

Mr. Patrick McNichols
Gearity Elementary

Where are you from originally, and where did you attend school?
I grew up in Bay Village and attended Catholic schools from 1st-12th grade at St. Raphael and St. Edward. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism from Bowling Green State University. I earned a Master’s of Arts in History from Cleveland State University. I was certified to teach at CSU and completed my administrative licensure work at CSU.

Where were you working/what were you doing before you became a school principal in CH-UH?
I started my career as a social studies teacher at Max Hayes Vocational School in the Cleveland Municipal School District. I taught for 7 years before transitioning to an administrative role. I was a small school principal at East High School for three years and then left to be a house principal at Lakewood High School as my children were young and I needed to be closer to home. After spending a few years at Lakewood, I missed being a small school principal and took the opportunity to come to Cleveland Heights High School to lead the PRIDE School.  

What's your favorite thing about the school you lead?
I love working with the Gearity staff as our school community is focused on removing barriers so our students can learn. The teachers have committed to using best practices to analyze their work, design instruction to meet student's needs and use research based interventions when students need additional support. We don't have all the answers but are willing to work together to figure out the best course of action.

What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be a cowboy when I was young, because I loved horses and being outside.

What's your favorite food?
Pizza

Tell us one fun fact about yourself - a talent, hobby, or anything that makes you unique!
This is no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I love to go fishing. Even better is when I can combine my love of fishing with my passion to travel.

Ms. Quatrice James
Fairfax Elementary

Where are you from originally, and where did you attend school?
I’m from Cleveland originally. I attended John Carroll University and Cleveland State University.

Where were you working/what were you doing before you became a school principal in CH-UH?
Before education, I worked in business.

What's your favorite thing about the school you lead?
Fairfax is filled with dedicated teachers and extremely committed families.

What was your dream job growing up?
Growing up I had many dream jobs, too many to list!

What's your favorite food?
My favorite food would have to be any vegetable.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself - a talent, hobby, or anything that makes you unique!
I love traveling but I loathe flying!