Not long before summer vacation began, Susan Sullivan announced her retirement as Canyon Ridge Middle School principal. Her 14-year tenure at the helm of CRMS in Steiner Ranch touched the lives of thousands and thousands of local students and their families. For the first time in many years, Sullivan is not preparing for the new school year and has handed that torch off to the new principal. But as a resident of Steiner, she’ll still be around and continue to be part of the local community.

Q&A

1) What was it like opening Canyon Ridge Middle School when it was new in 2004?

Opening the school was a dream of a lifetime for me. I was able to watch the school built from the ground preparation through completion, and there was such pride of “ownership” when we were able to move in. Then, the work began. Hundreds upon hundreds of boxes arrived. Every space in the school was stacked floor to ceiling. Desks and chair required assembly, as did everything else. Textbooks arrived on pallets. But we were working on pure excitement and adrenaline. A mascot had to be determined and colors decided. Teachers had to be hired and rooms readied. Eighteen- to 20-hour days were the norm.

The memory of the first football game will be forever etched in my mind.  Footballs players came onto the field in uniforms and knew which way to run, cheerleaders were in uniforms and could actually cheer, and our small dance team had their uniforms on and their choreography perfected. Parents came to cheer their students on. I simply could not believe that it had all come together. Although it took a couple of years to win a game, the pride I felt on that first gridiron contest was like no other.

2.) Career stepping stones that got you to CRMS?

I have been unbelievably fortunate to have had the experiences I have. My paths have been strewn with strong mentors, supporters and detractors – all of whom have moved me out of my comfort zone. In my seventeen moves, I have learned much – not the least of which is packing efficiently. Working in the deep South, on the west coast, in the Northeast, in middle America, in Japan, and in Texas has given me a deep understanding that children are the same world-wide. They have needs and it is up to us to make certain those needs are met. Kids are delightful – funny and innocent, brilliant in their acute observations, and wildly perceptive. They have much to say, and we must listen and guide.

3.) Tell us about your family.

The greatest joys of my life are my children, albeit grown. They never cease to amaze me with their accomplishments and competence. They have allowed me to flourish with their constant communication, incredible support, adult advice (even when unbidden), and humor. My sons and daughter are in the difficult throes of parenting elementary and middle school children, with all the challenges that are placed in their ways. I try not to advise unless solicited; it keeps us speaking.    

4.)  Share some important things you accomplished at CRMS during your tenure, 2004-2018?

My greatest accomplishment is to have fostered a happy campus culture where almost all students say they feel safe during the day and believe they have people on campus who care for them. Another huge accomplishment was the extraordinary faculty culture. Our teachers are so serious about the education of children but also serious about being there for each other. I counted my blessings every day to be working with a world-class staff and amazing children.

5.) Some favorite CRMS memories?

I have been dumpster diving for staff keys and badges, spent years working with staff to champion standards-referenced grading, destroyed student trysts in bathrooms through stake-outs, and gathered so many funny examples of campus operation to include in my “book”.

However, the last week of school in June provided some very special memories. Being able to listen to children laughing, watch my coaches leave the campus with our eighth grade students for the picnic, celebrate my band’s great success by assisting with the Sudler Cup award presentation, listening to my choir’s beautiful dedication to me at their last concert, and hearing that the athletic “Fighting Eagle Award” will, in the future, be called the “Susan Sullivan Fighting Eagle Award” has made the memories of some less-than-stellar-days vanish.  

My staff “Sally Forth” t-shirts have made my heart sing. The outpouring of love from the community, my staff, my sweet students, and my district friends has made every minute worthwhile. These are the memories I will cherish.

6.) What’s been the biggest challenge?

I would be less than truthful to say that there were no challenging days. The job has been challenging. While there have been several situations that stick out, it does no good to perseverate. Overall, the biggest challenge has been social media. Information spreads rapidly and is usually inaccurate; it invites everyone to “weigh in”, whether a part of our school community or not. It serves as a source for instant response and problematic discourse.

 

7.) What lasting impression do you hope to leave with the students who

passed through your halls?

“To whom much is given, much is expected.”  I hope our students will leave CRMS knowing that they are loved and capable beyond belief, but that they have an obligation to be the best they can be, to pay good fortune forward, and care for those around them.

 

8.) What is your hope for the next chapter of CRMS?

My hope is that my students will continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I hope they will persevere and make their special marks on the world. I also hope that my incredible staff will continue to know that I believe in them and that it is up to them to make a difference for students, as they always have.