Welcome to the Raider Family

The SISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved Ms. Angel Perez as Sunnyvale Middle School’s new Principal at Monday’s board meeting.

Before her formal approval by the Board of Trustees, Ms. Perez was selected by a panel of SMS teachers, students, parents who then recommended her and two other finalists to a team of central office staff and other SISD principals for a second round of interviews. Survey data collected from the middle school community and feedback from teachers and students drove the interview questions.

“Feedback from students, staff and parents indicated communication, engagement with all stakeholders, student-centered decisions, and collaborative leadership as important qualities for the next principal,” Superintendent Matt Kimball said. “Ms. Perez has a proven track record of building strong relationships in and outside the community. She has a passion for making the school building and culture a place where students are excited to be and where staff feel valued and supported. As a parent of two middle school students, she keenly understands the importance of good communication and establishing a partnership with parents. I am highly confident in her leadership and look forward to her energetic approach.”

Ms. Perez is an experienced administrator who joins SISD after serving as principal at Blue Ridge Middle School in Blue Ridge ISD. Prior to that, she was a secondary assistant principal at the same campus. She also spent several years as an administrator and teacher in San Angelo ISD.

“Mrs. Perez brings hands-on experience as a principal in a community similar to Sunnyvale,” long-time SMS teacher Mitzi Miller, who participated in the interview panel said. “Her leadership qualities, insightful experience, and passion for kids will compliment SMS as we continue to cultivate a forward-thinking and student-centered atmosphere.”

She is especially skilled at working with students at the middle school level. She said that building relationships, showing empathy and understanding the developmental stages of middle school aged children are all key to working with the age group.

“My experience includes working with secondary students in various capacities — as a teacher, mentor, at-risk coordinator, assistant principal, and principal,” Ms. Perez said. “Through these roles, I have gained insights into the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of adolescents and developed strategies to support their academic, social, and emotional growth. Supporting their unique needs requires a combination of empathy, knowledge of adolescent development, effective communication skills, and a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. First and foremost, it takes building positive relationships and learning the needs of each individual student.”

Ms. Perez’ leadership skills extend to working with teachers and school staff members. She recognizes the needs of SMS’ teachers and is excited to be a part of the team.

“Supporting teachers and addressing their needs is crucial for fostering a positive school culture and enhancing student outcomes,” she said. “ Here are several ways I will support teachers: celebrate them (recognition & appreciation), provide constant feedback, support their professional growth & development, provide time for collaborative team planning and providing access to mentoring and coaching.”

Veteran SMS teacher Melissa Walker participated in the interview panel and said she felt that Ms. Perez’, “...philosophy about education and heart for kids was right in line with what we want in a leader for Sunnyvale Middle School. Along with her extensive experience, I believe she will bring a fun, positive atmosphere to Sunnyvale Middle School.”

Creating a positive campus culture by making sure everyone feels respected and included in the process is a priority for Ms. Perez’. She is already busily planning activities to engage this process.

“I believe by actively involving students, parents, and staff in shaping the campus culture, you can create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and motivated to thrive,” Ms. Perez said. “First, I will start this process by building relationships and trust with all and make sure they are all involved in the decision-making process. For students, I will empower them to help lead in shaping the culture through lunch with principal, student panels, student councils, clubs and organization. For staff, I will create a positive and supportive work environment through team building and collaboration. For parents, I will ensure I am maintaining open lines of communication and strengthen the bond between the school and the community through newsletter, social media and parent involvement activities.”

One of Ms. Perez’s strengths lies in communication. Keeping open lines of communication at the middle school level is important — and Ms. Perez recognizes its impact on the school community.

“When communicating with parents and teachers, it is crucial to be an active listener and empathize with their perspective,” she said. “It is important to be clear, collaborate and seek feedback when we are working together.”

Parent Binu Thomas was involved in the interview process and said that during the interview process, “... Ms, Perez' humility and passion for children was easily seen; wanting to build relationships with students, celebrating millstones, both great and small. Most importantly her leadership style aligns with the style of our most successful and loved SISD staff members... a servant leader.”

Partnering with families is another goal of Ms. Perez, who hopes to build ties between families and SMS.

“It is essential to build a strong partnership between schools and families and I will do this by having volunteer opportunities for parents, having parent support groups and hosting family engagement events,” she said. “I am huge on student and staff celebrations and I think you must also do the same for parents.”

Ms. Perez will be in the office full time as the middle school’s Top Raider starting in July. SISD is also excited to welcome her youngest sons, Jett and Jace to the middle school.

“After extensive research I felt like Sunnyvale was the hometown atmosphere I was looking for,” Perez said. “The district has a strong academic reputation and offers high-quality instruction. The characteristics of the community are attractive and the parent involvement is collaborative and supportive. This is a school district where I can see myself learning and professionally growing in my future. This is a special place where I want my personal kids to attend and achieve their goals academically and athletically. I cannot wait to get to know the staff, students and parents of Sunnyvale ISD.”

Ms. Perez is married to John, who works for the City of Celina. They have four children: Noah (23) who just graduated from Angelo State University. Jeweleana (19) just completed her freshman year at The University of Texas, and twin boys Jace & Jett Perez who will be in 7th grade at SMS.