New Justice principal, Sean Rolon, to focus on communications and safety
Sean Rolon, the incoming principal of Justice High School, told the PTSA on June 11 that he plans to focus on communications and safety.
Rolon, currently an assistant principal at Falls Church High School, starts his new job on June 20.
At Justice, Rolon said he will ensure that “every student has an advocate” looking out for their best interests.
He plans to create “a caring culture in the community,” noting that to succeed academically, “students need to feel a connection with the school.”
Related story: New principal selected for Justice HS
Several parents at the PTSA meeting expressed concerns about communications, which had been an issue in the past.
“We need to be as transparent as possible,” Rolon said. “Most of the time when problems arise, it’s because of a lack of communication and understanding.”
He intends to be “present and available” and will “go to as many school events as I can,” as well as visit students’ homes and go on neighborhood walks “to help people feel connected.”
Rolon encouraged parents to reach out to him and promised to “make sure all who reach out get a response.”
A key priority for Rolon is addressing restroom safety, which is a widespread problem in the county and beyond.
One parent said her son, a recent Justice graduate, developed a medical condition because he didn’t feel safe using the restroom at school. Groups of kids were in there selling and using drugs and he didn’t feel welcome.
“At Falls Church we did a lot of work around the bathrooms, to be as present as possible and as consistent as possible,” Rolon said. “That is a big priority – to ensure students feel safe throughout the building.”
Another parent asked Rolon about his policy on cell phones, noting many students are using them in class.
Fairfax County Public Schools policy gives secondary school teachers discretion on how they handle phones in their classes, Rolon responded. That will be one of the first questions he plans to ask educators when he comes to Justice next week.
When asked about his views on grading, Rolon said he doesn’t like the zero to 100 grading system, but hasn’t determined what will work best at Justice. When he was an assessment coach at Marshall High School, educators were given extra time to learn about and implement that system.
Related story: FCPS seeks community input on the next principal for Justice HS
Justice is the first Title I high school in Fairfax County, which means it will get additional funds. Rolon told the parents it’s too early to develop a wish list on how those funds should be used.
Several parents were concerned about significant numbers of students leaving during the day – some are going to the Chick-fil-A in Seven Corners, while others are apparently up to no good.
“It’s important to find the cause of why this is happening,” Rolon responded. “It’s an opportunity to talk to students and parents. They might not always be leaving for nefarious reasons.”
“Students will be searched immediately upon their return,” he said. “Safety and security is a top priority for me.”
Concerns were also raised about school guidance counselors failing to meet with students and failing to provide adequate information about courses and schedules.
“The school counselor position is one of the most important roles in a high school. Counselors’ primary job is to be an advocate for students,” Rolon said.
Another parent said students have a negative view of Justice, there’s been high teacher turnover, and participation in sports has declined.
To address those trends, Rolon said he plans to “highlight all the positive things happening in school,” celebrate students’ and teachers’ accomplishments, and “empower students’ voices.”
Rolon will be the sixth principal at Justice in the past 12 years.
“I’m here for the long haul,” he said. “I’m committed to this community.”