New Shaw principal plans for future

After serving as an assistant principal at several schools, Mr. Adolphus Williams became the principal of Shaw this year. The Community Times In just his first year as principal of Shaw Middle School, Mr. Adolphus Williams already has many plans for the future. Before coming to Shaw, which is located at 54th Street and Warrington Avenue, Mr. Williams worked at several schools as an assistant principal. But after these several stints, Mr. Williams said he is ready to take on the challenges of leading a school. "I felt that I was prepared to assume the greater responsibility of principalship," he said. Mr. Williams received his bachelor's degree from Cheyney University in Cheyney, Pa. He also received a master's degree in education from Temple University, along with a Principal's Certificate and a Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility. The new principal's goals for Shaw are impressive. He said he hopes to reduce the number of students who score below the basic level in the SAT-9 exam, a standardized test which students in grades five through eight must take each year. Mr. Williams is also in the process of organizing extensive professional development sessions to assist teachers in accomplishing that goal. Since 1989, WEPIC's mission has been to create Penn-assisted community schools which seek to revitalize the surrounding community and engage both public school students and older residents. Its programming ranges from basic tutoring to after-school sports and environmental education. Through his work, Mr. Williams hopes to further enhance and nurture the relationship between Penn and Shaw. An emphasis on technology will also be a thrust for the school's students, who will continue to receive hands-on experience in the use of computers. "We want to prepare our students for participation in our technological world," Mr. Williams noted. While Mr. Williams seeks to continue making improvements at Shaw, he has no plans for any drastic measures. "I do not see any major changes that need to be made at Shaw," he said. "I plan to have Shaw involved in as many programs as possible to meet the diverse needs of our student body." At the same time, Mr. Williams hopes Shaw students will work toward further enriching themselves academically. As for his advice to the students, he said to "study hard and prepare yourself for the future."