Meet Principal Pamela Vigil

Dear Bernard Black Community,

 It is my pleasure to write this letter of introduction as the new principal of Bernard Black Elementary School. The last two years I’ve had the pleasure to work with this community as the Assistant Principal here at Bernard Black and will now serve as the Principal. For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Ms. Pamela Vigil and I am honored to have been selected for this position. I am excited and prepared to continue the work with the wonderful students, teachers, and support staff who make up Bernard Black family. I would like to share a few highlights of my background and experience. I received my bachelors degree in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University. A few years later I earned my masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and a second masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. I have served in education for the last 18 years, teaching a variety of grade levels, with 4.5 years as an instructional coach, and 2 years in Administration. I am currently starting my 3rd year in the Roosevelt School District. Additionally, when I am not serving my community, I am spending time with my two daughters. I enjoy traveling around Arizona and spending time with my family. It is my belief that teaching children is a privilege and a teacher should only take on a teaching role if he or she has a passion to make a difference, believe in the power of education, and commitment to continue his or her own education. All children can and will learn in a safe, loving, and caring environment where he or she feels valued and his or her talents and abilities are embraced. Also, I believe that schools are the heart of every community and should be a place for communication, support, and safety. Additionally, high expectations, student achievement, and accountability should be a priority of every school community and be a combined effort of all stakeholders. I look forward to continuing my work at Bernard Black.

Respectfully,

Pamela Vigil, M.Ed.

Principal, Bernard Black

Meet Vice Principal Chonsey Pogue

 Dear Bernard Black’s Families and Community,

Chonsey Pogue is my name, I want to introduce myself to you all. It is with great pride and excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the newly appointed Assistant Principal of Bernard Black School. I am honored to be in this position, and am looking forward to assisting Ms. Vigil in making this a great school year! I grew up in Detroit, Michigan. My mom was a reading specialist in education and a teacher for over 30 years. She was my inspiration to attend Michigan State University to study Special Education. Then, I decided to go to Galway, Ireland to study for my first master’s degree in Educational Technology. Shortly after, I found my first teaching job in inner city Detroit, as a fourth grade teacher. Next, I decided to move to Arizona in which I taught High School Special Education, English Language Proficiency for 3 rd and fourth grade, and was a technology integration coach at a Middle School. Next, I decided to attend ASU for a masters in Educational Leadership. Now, I am a second year doctoral student at ASU studying Innovation and Leadership. Also, I am currently an Adjunct Professor teaching Technology Literacy for Educators at ASU in my spare time. In summary, education is my hobby and my favorite thing to do. I am proud to be the new assistant principal at Bernard Black School. As the assistant principal, I want to ensure the students are supported in receiving the best education and opportunities possible, in order to prepare them for the creative career paths they want to partake once they graduate from Bernard Black School. My decision to become an administrator came from a strong desire to make a positive impact on inner city schools. As the Assistant Principal, I will work diligently with all our stakeholders to carry out the mission and vision of Bernard Black School. I believe that as a school, we play a fundamental role in positioning students for future success. I am committed to working closely with teachers, parents, and community members to ensure our children achieve their full potential and are prepared for their next phase of their education career.

Thank you,

Chonsey Pogue,

Assistant Principal

We will develop curriculum and instructional strategies to incorporate STEAM and create a  learning environment that encourages innovative thinking and  promotes a positive growth mindset .

We will model, monitor, and enforce student and adult behaviors that contribute to a safe and orderly environment while respecting the rights of others within a diverse community.

We will hold high expectations for student achievement and character, and will guide students to make responsible choices for their lives and the learning process.

  At Bernard Black Elementary School we provide innovative instruction in a safe, kind, diverse, and supporting environment.

  Every day we educate to create innovative leaders with a problem-solving mindset to face the challenges of tomorrow.