For most of us at Garfield, the administration is a mysterious entity, appearing like Batman out of nowhere when we least expect it, to change our attendance policy, snatch our cell phones, and yell at us for stepping on the vegetation out by the front steps. This year, there is some new blood within the enigma of our school authorities. Specifically, we have two new vice principals, and few people seem to know who they are. In the interest of arming Garfield students with as much knowledge as possible before they face the battle that is the school day, we present: The New Administration.

Leticia Rascon

Initial impression
When I arrive at her office, she is busy organizing and marking detention slips, as well as apologetically explaining to a student why she can’t give him a bus pass. “That’s the part of the job I don’t like,” she tells me. I make a note never to lose my MetroCard, because she adheres to those rules like superglue. Also, she writes upside down.

Territory
The third floor. She also greets the school buses in the morning, and handles lunch detention slips, discipline referrals, and teacher evaluations, among other things.

Background
Ms. Rascon was born in Mexico, and immigrated to the United States when she was very young. She attended the University of Texas and New Mexico State. She has worked in schools since the late 1970s, in Texas, New Mexico, and Washington, primarily with underprivileged students and in places with student diversity.

Why she chose to work at Garfield
According to her, she has worked at many different types of schools and Garfield is yet another experience for her.

What she does when she’s not patrolling the Garfield halls
The job of a vice principal is very demanding, but in her limited free time, Ms. Rascon likes to exercise and stay fit (she practices yoga), listen to music, dance, spend time with her family, explore good organic food at local markets, and travel.

Favorite place to visit
She enjoys traveling to the Bay Area, but she says that good company is more important to a good trip than the location.

On student-administrator interaction
She tries to be as firm, fair, honest and understanding as possible. However, although she makes every attempt to build positive relationships with students, she realizes that the job requires making decisions that are not always popular.

What she wants us to know about her
“That’s a tough question,” she says, “because every student probably has something different that they would like to know.” In general, however, she wants to tell students that she is looking forward to working with and learning from them; as well as challenging them to look past the role she holds as an administrator, and get to know her as well.

Her experience at Garfield so far
It’s “too soon to tell,” but she has generally observed that students at Garfield are not much different than other high school students around the country, although she has noticed Garfield’s unique spirit.

Jewell Woods

Initial impression
Before the interview begins, I am instructed to wait in her office while she finishes hallway duty at the end of lunch. A student comes by, asking when she can get her phone. Ms. Woods tells her to come back at the end of the day, which is a much better verdict than I expected. Nevertheless, I pray that I remembered to set my phone on silent.

Territory
The second floor. She’s also on hallway patrol during passing periods, and out near the steps at lunch.

Background
Ms. Woods has worked in four different schools in her career of over thirty years with the Seattle School District. She always knew that she wanted to work in education, and holds a B.A. in History and Government from Huston-Tillotson University.

Why she chose to work at Garfield
“I think anyone would want to work at Garfield,” she says, “To be a part of the environment.” Specifically, she likes the academics of the school, and all that the students have accomplished.

What she does when she’s not patrolling the Garfield halls
Ms. Woods enjoys working in her yard and socializing; being “out and about.” She also likes listening to music.

Favorite music
Jazz, R&B, and blues. At the time of the interview, she’s “very excited for Quincy Jones to be here.” She adds, “It brings excitement to the school to have former students with great accomplishments come back.”

What she wants us to know about her
She would like Garfield students to know that she’s a good listener, patient, tries to be understanding, and likes being around students. “My job,” she says, “is not to present that aura of ‘greater than thou.’” She adds that the administrators are here to help, and that they have all “been there before.” However…

On student fear of the administration
“Someone who has that attitude towards authority is someone who knows they are doing things that are against the rules.”

Her experience at Garfield so far
Thus far, she has found her time at Garfield to be a wonderful experience. Students are cordial and respectful, and seem to be happy. She is most impressed with the way that students are able to work through their problems in a mature manner.