Discipline, gangs, attire top list of questions for Queen

SVHS principal plans to create Father's Circle program to reach out to parents

Speaking July 29 to a group of 70 parents and a few students, Dennis Queen said he intended to preserve the legacy of his popular predecessor, Suzanne Maxey, while introducing a few ideas of his own.

Queen, who was principal at Kingsview Middle School for five years before he was hired at Seneca Valley, said he has taken the first steps toward creating a program at Seneca Valley that encourages black and Hispanic fathers to involve themselves closely in their children's academic performance, an initiative similar to one he helped launch at Kingsview.

The program, known at Kingsview as the Father's Circle, was credited by Queen and other administrators at the school for contributing to an 88 percent drop in suspensions during his tenure and a sharp increase in grades among students whose fathers participated.

Queen, 49, said that it's important for parents to work closely with teachers and administrators.

"I don't want a parent to ever feel you're not welcome here. I don't want you to ever feel you're a bother," Queen said.

Queen fielded questions from the audience for about half of the two-hour meeting. Many parents said they were worried about behavioral issues, citing gangs, revealing clothing and inappropriate physical contact between boys and girls among their list of concerns.

Queen said his experience before he entered education has left him well-equipped to deal with a wide range of disciplinary problems.

"I have a law enforcement background and I have a social service background, so I also believe in compassion. I have a pretty good handle on when to put which hat on," he said.

Several parents asked about the status of the International Baccalaureate program the school is phasing in and the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education program, both tailored to college-bound students seeking challenging classes.

Queen said the Cambridge program will remain in place until this year's sophomores graduate. The International Baccalaureate program will be phased in. Freshmen who wish to participate in the International Baccalaureate will begin taking classes this year to prepare them for formal enrollment during their junior and senior years, he said.

Stace Bennett, president of the school's Parent Teacher Student Association, said after the meeting that Queen left a strong first impression.

"I think he was well received by the parents," Bennett said. "We did have a very good turnout. I think he did put a lot of people's minds at ease that he isn't going to make a lot of dramatic changes in how things are run at the school," she said.

Queen has also scheduled a meeting to take questions and comments from Seneca Valley students. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at the school's Media Center, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive. Those interested in attending are asked to e-mail Bennett at svhssptsapres@yahoo.com with their names, grade and phone number.

Seneca Valley High School students are invited to a meeting with Principal Dennis Queen at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at the school's Media Center, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive. E-mail Stace Bennett at svhssptsapres@yahoo.com with your name, grade and phone number if you plan to attend.