Suzanne Woolfolk has been recommended to the Board of Education as the new assistant principal at Los Altos High School (LAHS). Starting in July, Suzanne will replace Cristy Dawson, who has served in that position for the past thirteen years.

Mrs. Woolfolk completed undergraduate and graduate work at Stanford University, double-majoring with Distinction and as a member of Stanford’s Cap & Gown Honor Society. As a teacher, she taught Spanish, ELD, and advised a nationally-ranked yearbook at Hillsdale High School, then continued on to act as Assistant Principal for seven years at Burlingame and San Mateo High Schools. Most recently, she was recognized by San Mateo County School Board as a 2014 Kent Award Winner for her efforts in creating Family Literacy Night, weekly events to encourage a love of reading in elementary-aged students.

Colleagues from her previous high schools described her as follows, “Although she demands that students meet high standards, she works with students in a caring and supportive way that ensures that they will have a great deal of pride in their accomplishments.” She was also described as “a pleasure to work with, a great communicator and collaborator” and as one who “holds an unwavering vision of holding all students to high academic and behavior standards and providing the necessary support for students to reach those high standards”.

“I am honored to join LAHS and to be accepted into such a talented and admirable professional community. I am eager to learn from current leadership, and to also bring my experiences working with students and instructional programs to benefit our school,” Mrs. Woolfolk said.

Principal Wynne Satterwhite stated, “I am pleased to have Suzanne join the LAHS Administrative team next year and am looking forward to working with her. She brings with her a wide range of experience from her previous district not only in her administrative job responsibilities but also in some of the innovative work that she has done both in the classroom and with students and their families. When I first met Suzanne, it was clear that she is passionate about students and their academic and personal success. When she talks about her involvement with students you can feel her energy and excitement. I believe that she will make a great addition to Los Altos High School! While I know that she will be missed at San Mateo High School, we are excited and eager to welcome her to LAHS!”

Cristy Dawson is retiring after thirty-nine years in education. Principal Wynne Satterwhite detailed, “Cristy joined the district in 1996 and the Mountain View Los Altos High School District has never been the same. She worked at both Alta Vista and Moffett High Schools focusing on helping students earn their high school diplomas in a non-traditional setting and then found her home at Los Altos. She has worn many different hats while working at LAHS but the foundation that she has built her successful educational career on is STUDENTS FIRST. Cristy’s energy and passion when it comes to kids is immeasurable. She has supported and developed programs and activities in her role as counselor and assistant principal over the last 14 years that have supported all students. It would be hard to guess what activities she has enjoyed the most over the years but I believe that the four that have left the biggest impact at Los Altos would be Camp Diversity (formally known as Camp Everytown), the Opportunity class, Student Recognition Lunches and Dodge Ball; activities that are as varied as the lady herself.

To give you a sense of the impact that Cristy has had at LAHS, at our Diversity Assemble last month, not only did the students dance and perform to honor Cristy’s work but so did about a third of the staff. At this assembly Cristy was awarded the “Tireless Teacher” award and this was what was said about her:

This year’s “Tireless Teacher Award” goes to a long overdue recipient; one who leaves behind a legacy of fun activities, memorable Homecomings, proactive support of all students but specifically our At Risk population and a commitment to the academic and emotional development of students. One of this teacher’s gifts is that she that she has left us a legacy of traditions that will be passed down due to her tireless work, her focus on students and staff and her attitude of having fun.

Ms. Dawson is always here to help students and staff to try new ideas, create new activities and build a strong sense of support and community. She has always gone above and beyond for our students, our staff and our school community. All of us would like to say THANK YOU! Thank you for the past fourteen years of dedicated and tireless service. You will be missed!”