Minden mom begins new role as assistant principal

With two daughters at Carson Valley Middle School and a son at Douglas High School, Laura Parks has a personal stake in providing quality public education.

The 43-year-old Minden resident is Douglas High School's new assistant principal, replacing Becky Rugger who accepted a principal position at Diamond Valley School in Alpine County.

"Today, right now, I know it's where I am supposed to be," Parks said at the high school on Oct. 15.

With dark features and a witty sense of humor, the administrator sat behind her desk in her new office. A dry-erase board leaned in one corner showing a quote from Mother Teresa. "Calvin and Hobbes" comic books lay scattered on a shelf in front of her. On the wall hung a poster of "Where the Wild Things Are," a poster Parks has had since childhood.

She chuckled at the idea that she might have to talk to students about behavior issues while they sit beneath that poster.

"I'm surprised by how much fun I've been having, but also by how long the days are," she said.

Parks started her career in education teaching English and history at Douglas High in 1989. She taught for six years, but then took a break to become a mother. During her time off, Parks earned a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nevada, Reno. For the last seven years, she worked as a professional development trainer for the school district.

"I was ready for change," she said. "I missed the kids. I missed the energy of being on campus. I've had the privilege of working with the teachers here, and I know how strong the staff is - that's a real draw. Plus, I have kids coming through the school, although I don't see my son as much as I thought, and he's glad."

Parks, who now oversees the high school's English and art programs, said she's been impressed with "how consistently involved the teachers are."

"It (DHS) is efficient. Things go smoothly," she said.

On the other hand, she's already met her fair share of challenges, including the "heartbreaking stories, the things you don't know in the classroom that administrators are privy to."

Parks is the school's homeless advocate. She helps students who are in transition between homes or are without a permanent residence. That includes supplying some students with the materials necessary for school.

"I came home one day, and my daughter said she needed a new backpack," Parks recalled. "I almost lost it, thinking the only thing my daughter needed in our house was a backpack. You hear and learn about these hardships, and they catch you off guard."

Parks said the high school pulls together to help students in need.

"The counselors, the nurses, everyone is on board," she said.

Moving to academics, Parks expressed concern that additional science and math requirements, possibly coming down from the state, may hinder the school's strong elective programs.

"If the state says only science and math, it will be difficult," she said. "Our rigorous, excellent electives, which have high standards, may potentially not be offered."

Parks said it's problematic to apply high standards to only one or two content areas. Kids are smart in many ways, she argued.

"We sometimes don't value how kids are smart, but say they must be smart in this way," she said. "That is when we lose kids to drugs or whatever, when we take away their interest."

Even with such challenges ahead, though, Parks said she's ready for her new role.

"I feel that I stepped into it at the right time," she said.