Howe ISD Spotlight

This week’s employee spotlight is Clarissia Doty, the Summit Hill Elementary principal. With the extreme measures of COVID requirements handed down from the state, Doty said she wanted to reassure parents that the staff understands the situation fully.

“I know that starting for them (the parents) was probably one of the most difficult things in their life that they had to do because who wants to drop their four or five-year-old at a door and walk away,” said Doty. “That is not a good feeling. So, then you add to the fact that they might be a little apprehensive that there’s this virus out there. It was heartbreaking and I felt so bad for the parents.”

Doty said she would tell parents to look at the statistics regarding the virus. Children are being affected a much lesser level than adults.

The Summit Hill Elementary school building is in its second year and due to a shortened school year, it still feels like a pristine building, according to Doty.

“The carpet still looks great since we were only here for a few months last year,” Doty joked. “It’s good that the kids get to have this. I think it’s something

Clarissia Doty (second from right) and her family. Courtesy photo.

that they can be proud of. I know they don’t get that they’re in a brand new school, but the town supported that and it’s something we needed and we’re using this space and we love it.” Doty, a Howe graduate, sees that a lot of former Howe students are now back in the community with their kids now attending Howe ISD.

“I think that speaks volumes (about the ISD),’ said Doty.

She explained that with family in Howe, people want to instill the same values that they received from this town and this school.

“You have to model that to people,” said Doty. “They have to feel wanted and that they are cared for and loved.”

She said that if those things are taken care of, they’ll want to come back and be a Howe lifer.