Tri-County Citizen

New principal to lead at St. Charles Middle School





ST. CHARLES – There is a new leader at the helm of Thurston Middle School in St. Charles. Shawna Groulx was hired by the board of education July 1 to serve as the new school principal and 6-12 grade curriculum director; her first official day was July 11.

Groulx’s experience includes student data analyst and history teacher at Grand Blanc High School; most recently she served as assistant principal at Durand Area High School from 2012-16.

The Flushing resident received her bachelor of arts degree from the Univsitry of Michigan-Flint; masters of arts degree from Eastern Michigan University, and an education specialist degree from Oakland University.

She is also a member of the Gerstacker Leadership Fellowship at Saginaw Valley State University, according to the district’s August newsletter.

“I’m looking forward to learning a lot about the district and getting to know the families, students and staff,” Groulx told the Citizen.

“I’ve been here since July and everyone has been very helpful and welcoming.

One of her goals as principal includes preparing students for the future through the acquisition of 21st century skills. The term is used to refer to main competencies that include critical thinking, problem solving and digital literacy – traits that advocates believe are required for today’s world.

“As I am entering my 14th year as an educator, my education philosophy has continued to develop. My philosophy is that all kids can learn and it is up to us as educators to kindle thought within them. … I am committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that every student grows and achieves,” Groulx said.

Her hobbies include traveling, working out, research, animals and outdoor activities like running and gardening. She has a dog and chickens.

The first day of classes for the 2016- 17 school year at the school district is Tuesday, Sept. 6. Orientation for sixth grade students and parents/guardians is Aug. 31 from 6 to 7 p.m.

The middle school’s open house will be September 13 from 5 to 6 p.m.


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