Education veteran brings Midwestern flavor to Cielo assignment

Tina Nicks, new principal at Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School, sees larger campus as a learning experience.

Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School will kick off the school year in August with a new principal.

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Tina Nicks, who moved to the area last month from Illinois, is prepared to take on the new challenge of a larger school with more kids and staff.

“The building here at Cielo is quite a bit larger, and so for me that will be a learning experience,” Nicks said.

“I knew the names of every child at my previous school when I was principal, so it may take me just a little bit longer to learn here, but I’m up to the challenge.”

Nicks will replace former Cielo Principal Mike Deignan, who will switch roles to principal at Kyrene Akimel Middle School.

Nicks said she is excited for the new experience, and looks forward to developing relationships with staff and Kyrene Corridor community members.

“I have always held the Kyrene District in high regard, and I’ve aspired to live out here for a long time,” said Nicks, who has family that visits Tempe during winters. “Everybody has been very welcoming and supportive.”

Nicks has 15 years of experience in education, starting as a teacher in Iowa and moving on to the role of principal in an Illinois elementary school for the past seven years. She said she is impressed with the opportunities Kyrene has to offer in terms of technology and innovative programs.

“There is a lot going on here for the kids, and it’s very exciting,” she said. “We have the Discovery Room here, which is amazing for the students. And, we’re going to have a second computer lab this year – I’m really excited about that.”

In the last month of preparing for the first day of school on Aug. 8, Nicks said she has been impressed with the staff and community involvement with Cielo.

“One thing I’ve learned about the staff here is they are so dedicated to this building and to education,” she said. “There is a great amount of longevity here – they want to be here, and they stay.”

In terms of changes Nicks plans on making, she said she will continue the programs staff already hold in high regard.

“In the interview process, I said my purpose was not to come in and make sweeping changes,” Nicks said. “I want to learn about Cielo and develop relationships with the children, staff and families. Then, we can decide together where we want to go forward to make the education we’re providing for kids that much better.”

One aspect that she said is similar to the Illinois school she was principal is the neighborhood feeling that Cielo has.

“I’m very fortunate to be placed here,” Nicks said.

“It’s all about the children for me. They have such amazing, young minds that we have the opportunity as educators to fill with all this important knowledge.”

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