The staff of Bailey Elementary School has decorated Jarrod Haneline’s office with a favorite “Star Wars” quote by Jedi Master Yoda:
Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.
The avid “Star Wars” fan took over as principal at the Dover school off Gallagher Road Wednesday, July 20.
Haneline, a Tampa native, knew he was meant to be an educator at a young age.
“I started to get the itch for it in fifth grade,” Haneline said.
His fifth grade teacher at Bellamy Elementary School in Tampa was tougher than his former teachers. Traditionally a student who earned good grades with ease, Haneline took home a ‘D’ on his report card during the first nine weeks. Though his family tried to fight the grade, they were told that the poor mark was one he had earned.
Haneline decided to step up his game.
“I worked so hard that year,” he said. “That last nine weeks, I got straight As. That formed everything for me.”
Haneline continued to have a close connection with Bellamy Elementary School in later years. As a high school and college student, he dressed up like Santa Claus and hosted Breakfast with Santa for the Bellamy students.
“It holds a very special place in my heart,” he said.
He went on to study at the University of South Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He returned to Bellamy upon his graduation, where he taught kindergarten.
His second year teaching, he wanted to make a positive impact on more kids.
“For me, it’s about leaving a legacy,” he said.
He returned to the University of South Florida, where he earned his master’s degree in educational leadership. He then accepted a position as a third grade teacher at Reddick Elementary in Wimauma. The school’s principal, J. Thomas Roth, helped Haneline continue to advance in his career.
“He knew I was hungry, and he gave me opportunities,” Haneline said. “I’ve been so blessed and so fortunate to be surrounded by so many good people. I’ve just been blessed with great people around me, which has kept that fuel and passion alive.”
After leaving Reddick, Haneline went on to Bryan Elementary, where he served as the school’s assistant principal. While working with the rest of the staff, the school was brought from a near-F grade to a C school. While the work at the school isn’t done, Haneline is proud of the positive impact he and the rest of the staff had on past and present students.
That positive impact is one he hopes to continue to bring to Bailey.
May the Force Be With You
School kicks off for students Wednesday, Aug. 10. Haneline couldn’t be more excited.
The first day of school will consist of a pep rally for all of Bailey’s nearly 800 students. The morning will start with kindergarteners and fifth graders, and Haneline will tell students about his plans and expectations for them. When the kindergarteners are dismissed, the fifth graders will clap as they leave, welcoming them into the school.
The first through fourth graders will be brought in next to meet their new principal. The brief introduction is a way for all students to feel at ease and comfortable during the school year.
“(I’m) going to be putting students and families first,” Haneline said. “They’re going to know how much I care, and how much I love them. We’re definitely going to continue the tradition of strong student achievement.”
Haneline is focused on effective communication.
“We’ll involve families through two-way communication,” he said. “Families bring knowledge about their child that we just don’t have. We’ll tell them how things are going here … and we want them to tell us how we can help them.”
Haneline also wants students to know they’re appreciated. He hopes to start small birthday celebrations, where students are brought to the office and sung “Happy Birthday” on their special day.
“Some of them might not get the opportunity to be truly happy outside of school,” Haneline said. “Typically, students are sent to the office for behavior issues. I want them to come in to share their successes. I want them to bring me their math score or share that they were able to finish their first chapter book.”
For Haneline, small gestures are a big way to let students know that Bailey cares about their future.
“When students misstep — and that’s going to happen — (positivity) has a lot more impact,” Haneline said. “This will be the greatest place to be in Hillsborough County.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.