Fostoria City Schools is excited to welcome Amy Hineline as the new Assistant Principal at Fostoria Junior/Senior High School for the upcoming school year!
To help our community get to know Mrs. Hineline a little better, I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Here’s what she shared with us:
What inspired you to pursue a career in school leadership, and what do you enjoy most about working with students?
My journey to school leadership began in my own classroom. I found immense joy in creating a space where every student felt seen and capable of success. I saw firsthand how the right environment and support could unlock a child's potential.
A real turning point for me was when I led our school's "Covid Team". I had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across different grade levels, and I realized how much I enjoyed working with teachers to solve bigger-picture challenges. We were able to scramble and ensure every student had a laptop and access to the Internet so they were able to continue their learning and then I led the initiative on how to implement a Google Classroom and use Zoom. I saw that by empowering and supporting my fellow educators, my impact could extend far beyond the four walls of my classroom.
That experience ignited my passion for servant leadership. I was inspired by the idea of fostering that same sense of collaboration and innovation on a school-wide level—creating a culture where every teacher feels supported and every student has the ability to thrive!
What I enjoy most about working with students is their incredible capacity for growth and their unique perspectives. I also have a deep appreciation for their honesty and energy. They bring a vibrancy to the school building that is infectious. I love walking through the hallways, seeing their art on the walls, and hearing their laughter. I am constantly in awe of their resilience. Many students overcome significant challenges just to be at school every day, and their determination is a powerful reminder of why we do the work we do. I genuinely enjoy their curiosity. They ask questions that challenge me to think differently and see the world from a fresh angle. It’s a constant learning experience for me, as well!
How do you plan to build relationships with students, staff, and families at our school?
As a new principal, my approach to building strong, positive relationships with students, staff, and families is foundational to creating a thriving school community where every member feels valued, heard, and connected. My plan is built on three core principles: visibility, active listening, and collaborative partnership.
My primary goal is to be a visible and approachable presence in the daily lives of our students. I want them to see me not just as an administrator, but as a supportive adult who is genuinely invested in their success and well-being.
I will make it a daily practice to be in the hallways during passing periods, in the cafeteria during lunch, and before and after school. I plan to learn students' names, greet them, and engage in informal conversations about their interests, both in and out of school.
A strong, supported staff is the backbone of an excellent school. My plan for building relationships with our dedicated educators and support staff is centered on trust, open communication, and professional respect.
In my first few months, I will be visiting classrooms. My goal in doing this is to listen and learn: to understand their professional goals, their perspectives on our school's strengths and challenges, and how I can best support staff.
I will be a regular presence in the school, so I can best understand the incredible work our teachers are doing and to offer support.
I recognize the immense talent and experience within our staff. I will empower teachers to lead and innovate, and I will be their biggest advocate, celebrating their successes and providing them with the resources and professional no development they need to thrive.
Families are our students' first and most important teachers, and a strong school-home partnership is essential for student success. My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every family feels like a valued partner in their child's education.
Ultimately, my plan is to be a principal who leads with empathy, integrity, and a genuine commitment to building a strong, interconnected school community. I am excited to get to know each and every student, staff member, and family as we embark on this journey together.
What are some goals or priorities you have for your first year as assistant principal?
My primary goal for the first year is to be a dedicated and effective member of this leadership team. I will be a strong and reliable support for Mrs. Gaietto and Mr. Sierra. I want to understand their vision and priorities so I can effectively help implement them. This means learning our established procedures, understanding our school improvement plan, and finding out where I can best apply my skills to lighten the load and help the team achieve its objectives.
Second, I will focus on building strong relationships with our staff, students, and families. I believe that trust is the foundation of a successful school.
Finally, my third priority is to master the core responsibilities of the assistant principal role while contributing to our larger school goals. I know this position often involves managing student support systems, coordinating testing, and assisting with daily operations. My goal is to handle these duties with efficiency, fairness, and a focus on what's best for students.
I have some ideas and experience that I believe could be valuable, and I'm eager to contribute to the team's efforts and help make a tangible, positive impact in my first year!