Marlin High School Principal at Work

Meet one of Rotary Club of Marlin’s finest, Rockney Terry. He is the Marlin High School Principal. 

As such, Principal Terry is the leader of an entire high school community of 212 students and a highly-educated and experienced staff. He is responsible for managing major administrative tasks and supervising all students and teachers. Add to-wit, Principal Terry is spearheading the high school’s elevation in academic excellence amidst the increasingly invading pandemic.

Mr. Terry and the high school staff work long hours, often working into the evening. They work towards providing rich and safe learning environments for students.

On December 9, 2020, at Rotary Club of Marlin meeting, Principal Terry presented an update and answered questions related to Marlin High School. 

How has the coronavirus affected the high school? There are approximately 31 students out daily. Currently, ten students remain quarantined due to the coronavirus.

Using a sophisticated computerized method, students are able to check in anytime during the day and be counted present. Returning students face new challenges, such as attention to schedules and study habits.

What is a new challenge in teaching? The biggest issue faced by administration is the unavailability of substitutes. 

How are students able to improve their grade?

Principal Terry described the newly-implemented MISD “Chance for Success”, a First and Second Six Weeks Grade Recovery Initiative. Chance for Success provides an opportunity for students with a lower than 70 (failing) grade to raise their grade. 100 out of 212 students are participating in this after-school program. Under Chance for Success, there are fundamentally three means by which a student can raise his/her grade one letter grade: 1) assessment of the first six weeks’ subject matter; 2) project in the knowledge area, and; 3) worksheets in current studies. 

Principal Terry explained that Marlin ISD is looking for experienced tutors in Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies, grades 3-12. Interested applicants can apply online, be interviewed, and undergo a background check. The rate of pay for experienced tutors is $30 per hour. 

Principal Rockney Terry’s contact information is available on the MISD website: marlinisd.org .