(Cedar Hill, TX) The 2019-20 school year will be a homecoming for the new principal at High Pointe Elementary School. Shay Whittaker will return to the campus where her teaching career began, but this time as the campus leader.

“I have been a Longhorn for thirteen years. My entire educational career has been here serving the students in Cedar Hill ISD. Now I am blessed to return to where it all began and where my heart never left,” said Whittaker.

Whittaker served the High Pointe community as an advanced academics teacher, interventionist and instructional coach beginning in 2006. During her time at High Pointe, she connected with the community and served as an instructional leader for campus staff.

“With the selection of Mrs. Whittaker as principal, I am very excited about the future of High Pointe Elementary. As a long-serving employee of CHISD and a master teacher at our campus, Mrs. Whittaker truly understands High Pointe,” said Cedar Hill ISD Council of PTAs President Ayanna Cook. “She will ensure the scholars and educators are growing and developing to bring High Pointe Elementary back to greatness. But she is not starting from scratch; there are some awesome teachers and support staff ready to educate our children. Mrs. Whittaker not only has a gift of building relationships with families, but she also has the experience doing it in our district,” added Cook.

Whittaker served in several leadership roles in Cedar Hill ISD, including assistant principal at the Ninth Grade Center and, most recently, as the interim chancellor at Collegiate Prep Elementary School.

At the district level, Whittaker oversaw elementary math curriculum, professional development, created the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and helped implement the STEAM Academies at Bessie Coleman and Permenter Middle Schools.

The district’s annual Back to School Rally and CHISD Extravaganza were developed and coordinated by Whittaker as well as the installment of the district’s All-Pro Dads program.

Under her leadership at the Ninth Grade Center, the algebra team achieved double-digit gains, CTE LIVE was established and she helped install the campus spirit store.

Whittaker has seen great success throughout the district and looks forward to implementing innovative education programs,  parent engagement activities and strategies to support all High Pointe students.

“High Pointe parents can expect authentic relationships, engaging and relevant learning and a relentless commitment to restoring our school as the leading choice for the High Pointe community,” added Whittaker.

For more information on High Pointe Elementary, visit chisd.net/highpointe.

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