For new Hixson Elementary School principal Julie Fine, the most challenging task she faces thus far is accomplishing all she wants to in the time allotted.
Among her goals for the year ahead are improving student scores, increasing parent participation and developing new teachers, she said. She also wants to promote the school's motto, "Bloom where you are planted."
"We're encouraging students, parents, faculty and staff to become a part of Hixson's garden - to grow to their fullest potential in whatever capacity it is they are a part of Hixson," she said.
Before coming to Hixson, Fine was an assistant principal at Wallace A. Smith Elementary for one year.
For two years prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Barger Academy, before which she spent 28 years teaching kindergarten, second, third, fourth and fifth grades at Snow Hill Elementary.
"I'm a teacher at heart," Fine said. "I love seeing young children being able to master those skills they need to succeed."