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WESTFIELD -- Students returning to classes at Westfield Academy and Central School will find many upgrades resulting from the capital improvement project, but the most important change is a new secondary school principal.
Andrea Marsh was appointed as secondary principal in May and spent the summer preparing to take on the challenges of the position. “Serving as a principal in a rural setting has been a goal of mine,” Marsh said. “I was looking for a school and community similar to the one I grew up in.”
Marsh said that she is eager for the school year to begin. “I am excited to welcome students back; we have many new upgrades to showcase, including our new gym floor,” she said. “And I am looking forward to meeting families and working together to meet the needs of our students.”
Marsh went on to say that connection and collaboration will be the key to her success. “Each staff member has strengths that are different from mine and it is important to unite these strengths,” she said. “I am eager to connect with staff to lay the foundation for our upcoming school year.”
A team approach is essential, according to Marsh. “Using a team approach is key,” she said. “Having teacher leaders and a leadership team are valuable ways to help balance the secondary principal position.”
Marsh said her impressions of WACS have been very favorable so far. “Connection and relationships are a huge priority here. Everyone that I talk to cares deeply about the students and families in Westfield,” she said. “Having a lot of veteran staff members shows me that teachers are committed to WACS and they choose to stay here because it is a great place to work.”
Marsh, who lives in Stockton, graduated from Falconer High School followed by SUNY Fredonia where she received a degree in childhood education, She received her Masters Degree in Literacy from Edinboro University and her Administration Degree from the University of Rochester.
Marsh, her husband and their three children, Jackson, Harper and Eloise, are very involved in youth sports. “We spend a lot of time watching our children play sports,” she said. “They are involved in soccer, basketball, softball, and golf.”
Marsh says she is also a volunteer basketball coach for Cassadaga’s girls’ youth program for girls in grades 3-6 and also at the Jamestown YMCA’s winter league.
A golden retriever named Daisy plays a big role in Marsh’s life.
“I enjoy going for walks around Cassadaga Lake with Daisy,” she said. “I also love baking and reading and cheering for the Buffalo Bills!”