This is the reasoned doctrine of C.H. Yoe High School’s new principal, Thomas Hooker, of his job in Cameron.
“There are going to be very high expectations for a very positive rapport and relationship between the administration, the students and the parents,” said Hooker, who joins the Cameron school district officially on July 1.
Hooker, 35, of Huntsville, already is on the job in Cameron, preparing to welcome the 470 C.H. Yoe High School students to classes on Aug. 27. He and his family will be moving to Cameron soon.
“We are going to be more than ready for the first day of school,” said Superintendent Rodney Fausett.
Cameron was Hooker’s school district of choice because of the many educational opportunities for students, the close-knit community that displays great family values, and because of the ideal size which has positive advantages in education, Hooker said.
Similarly, the Cameron school board was looking for a high school principal, who has a proven history of success, is knowledgeable, is a great communicator, has the ability to unite a campus and is able to put systems in place so the district can achieve academic excellence, said board President Michael Watkins.
Watkins described Hooker as a “very positive individual...who is excited about Cameron, and that makes us excited about him being here.”
Hooker and Fausett “are very knowledgeable and respectable about the heritage and tradition of Cameron, and they know there are improvements that need to take place,” Watkins said.
The new principal said his goals “mimic the district’s goals.”
Yoe High in 2007-08 will offer a traditional day of classes, plus a mid-morning advisory period for academic coaching, leisure reading, clubs, and community connections, Hooker said.
The Cameron school district and Temple College will offer a dual credit program providing the opportunity for high school students to earn 24 to 36 hours of college credits, at almost no cost, with plans to eventually provide the service free.
Hooker has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Sam Houston State University. He has served as a science teacher, assistant principal and principal before moving to Cameron. He enjoys speaking to service organizations, clubs and churches regarding educational topics. His hobbies include woodworking, fishing and travelling.
Hooker believes a principal must “care for children, be a great listener, support his staff, practice professionalism regularly, be a problem-solver, know actions speak louder than words, stand strong for morally correct ideas, be flexible with others, be current with new law and legislation and must have the desire to grow professionally, and realize the significance of an education comes through needs by students.”
jwilliams@temple-telegram.com
