Longtime Ocosta Elementary School principal, Heather Sweet, was hired in late May as the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning/Special Services. On the job July 1, she replaces the recently retired Suzanne Chapin.
Responsibilities
According to the school district’s job description, the Director of Teaching and Learning/Special Services is responsible for piloting planning for improving student achievement district-wide; monitoring and supervising instruction, supporting teachers and administrators in improving instructional skills; contributing to a community of continuous learning for all staff and fostering a culture of high expectations.
Sweet says her new position is a very good fit. “I have a good skill set for this position. I’m very organized and feel that I have a lot to contribute.
“The hardest part of this decision is that I’ll no longer have day-to-day contact with students and, also, I won’t be the leader of the new elementary school,” said Sweet.
Sweet started her teaching career in Lakewood in 1999, working for a number of years in the classroom, then as an Administrative Assistant until landing her position as Ocosta Elementary School principal in 2008.
She earned her Masters in Education and Washington State Principal Certification in 2005 and is now close to completing her Superintendent Credential.
Family matters
Outside of the school arena, Sweet is one of the founding members and captain of the Beach Babes Relay for Life Team, the group that initiated the very popular Light Up The Docks annual luminaries fundraiser two years ago.
She also serves as the secretary of the South Beach Service Organization. That group has continued to meet the goals of the former local Kiwanis organization that disbanded several years ago, helping to fund OHS senior scholarships, as well as supporting elementary school activities not otherwise funded by the school district.
Heather’s husband Gary is also making a career move. After more than 22 years as casino poker dealer and manager, for the last several years at Snoqualmie Casino, he recently returned to school at South Puget Sound College to compute a two-year course in Computer Information Systems.
Their son Gerrick will be a sophomore at OHS this fall. Very active in school, he plays football and basketball, is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Club and is on the OHS Knowledge Bowl team. Like his dad, Gerrick is also interested in computer sciences.
As a family, the three enjoy stand-up paddle boarding together.
