New Principal Joins Potomac School

POTOMAC - Texan John Rouse is the new principal at Potomac School. Rouse said he brings life lessons to Potomac to support the faculty, staff, board members and community members to provide unsurpassed learning experiences for the students.

During the last 26 years, 10 administrators have become part of Potomac School history. Rouse makes 11 and he hopes to remain at Potomac School.

Rouse completed his schooling at Texas A&M with bachelors and masters degrees in education, and at the University of Montana for his Montana's superintendent and principal certification. Rouse considers himself an 'Aggie' and a 'Griz' and credits his love of all school subjects as to why he is still working in schools.

From Texas to Colorado to Montana, Rouse said he served as administrator at a wide range of schools including prosperous schools, public schools, financially disadvantaged schools and private schools.

"I have served as an administrator in school systems ranging from a few hundred students to over 15,000," said Rouse who is versatile in his 45-year education experience. "I have taught from fifth grade math through university-level chemistry."

For the last four years, Rouse served as Superintendent of Schools in Browning, Mont.

"When I found out that there was going to be an opening for a principal in Potomac this coming year, I jumped at the chance to come here," said Rouse, who has family in Montana.

Rouse commutes from Missoula where he lives with his wife Barbara. They moved to Montana from Texas to be closer to their sons and grandchildren in Missoula and Helena.

With his background in curriculum, instruction and authentic literacy, Rouse's focus is on the best impact for teachers and students.

"My experience as a curriculum management auditor allows me to use data to drive decisions around a continuous improvement model to focus on those areas that will be the most impactful," said Rouse.

As administrator, Rouse faces challenges at times, and said each day brings something new to consider and address.

He feels students may not recognize truth and accuracy in all media they are exposed to. 

"It should be abundantly clear that in today's high-tech environment of streaming content, students need to be able to shift through the barrage of information and discern what is real and what is not," Rouse said.

To address this issue Potomac teachers are beginning the school year with a study on the book "Focus" by Dr. Michael Schmoker. This book emphasizes the importance of purposeful reading, writing and discussion so students can employ authentic literacy in their lives.

He also sees the lack of adequate funding to support community and school district goals as the single biggest challenge facing small school systems in Montana.

Rouse will develop a committee of parents and community members regarding school-based decisions because that input helps in the decision making process according to Rouse.

"Community support is critical, particularly in smaller communities where the school is the hub of activity," said Rouse. "If parents or community members want to participate in my decision-making as it impacts Potomac School, there will be opportunities for their involvement."

A 'to do' list for Potomac parents and students includes being rested and ready every school day. He said if parents send their children to school well-loved, well-fed and well-rested it will be much easier and effective for teachers.

"Students: come to school ready to learn, to think, to question, to listen, to read and to discuss...and to have fun doing these things," Rouse said.

First day for Potomac School students is Aug. 28.