Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
Profile Features May 22, 2025 Admin
BY TAYLOR ALDERMAN AND MIRANDA PAAN
The week of April 14-17 was not just another typical week for CCHS—it was a time to honor the assistant principals, who are among the school’s most devoted and frequently underappreciated heroes.
During Assistant Principals (APs) Appreciation Week, students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to highlight the people who work behind the scenes to promote academic and personal development.
The Assistant Principals (APs) at CCHS manage a wide range of responsibilities each day—whether it’s overseeing daily school operations, supporting teachers and staff, addressing student concerns, or simply being a compassionate listener to those in need.
Their roles are vital in maintaining a positive and productive school environment, and their dedication ensures that both academic and emotional needs of the school community are met. Each Assistant Principal at CCHS plays a unique and vital role in supporting the school community, contributing their expertise and passion in various areas.
Ilianna Polatos-Quintero, the 12th Grade Assistant Principal, who oversees College Board Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-AP Curriculum, Science, and English Language Learners (ELL). Currently leading the School Counseling Department and pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Barry University, where she is in the process of writing her dissertation, she is driven by a deep passion for education and is dedicated to ensuring all students have access to extended learning opportunities that support their future goals.
Jessica VanDusen, also an Assistant Principal for 12th Grade, leads areas such as Mathematics, Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and the AICE Cambridge program. Her leadership helps drive academic excellence and inclusivity in senior year coursework.
Fabian Calero, the 11th Grade Assistant Principal, covers CTACE (Career Technical Education and programs), World Languages, Social Studies, and NJROTC. He’s known for his creativity and strong connection with students, consistently finding engaging ways to support their academic and personal growth.
Amira Britton Pollard, the 10th Grade Assistant Principal, oversees Literacy, English Language Arts, AICE Cambridge, Fine Arts, SAT/ACT/PSAT coordination, and Dual Enrollment. She is deeply committed to helping scholars at Cooper City High School reach their full potential and is known for her hardworking and enthusiastic nature.
In recognition of her leadership and dedication to education, she was recently accepted into the Broward County Principal Preparation Program, further developing her leadership skills and deepening her commitment to academic excellence and student growth.
Percita Goedschalk, the 9th Grade Assistant Principal, brings 16 years of experience as a former Chemistry teacher to her leadership role. She currently manages Biology, PhysicalEducation, and CTACE programs. Her background reflects a passion for making science accessible and engaging for all students.
Teachers and students came together to make the week truly special, coming together to show their appreciation in heartfelt ways. One of the most memorable gestures was the decoration of each Assistant Principal’s door. Vibrant, creative posters adorned the doorways, reflecting the collective gratitude of both students and staff.
“It was awesome to see the doors so decorated,” junior Victoria Recht said. “It’s a cute little gesture to show how much we care.”
But the celebrations didn’t stop there. Mr. Calero, the junior class assistant principal, put a special spin on things by planning a school-wide treasure hunt, which was one of the week’s most inventive and enjoyable highlights. Students were tasked with keeping a lookout for funny pictures of Mr. Calero hidden around campus. Each discovery sparked laughs and prompted photo ops with Mr. Calero himself.
The scavenger hunt not only brought fun but also demonstrated the sincere bond that Mr. Calero and his colleagues share with the students.
“My favorite part of AP Appreciation Week was all of the love and support that the staff and students showed to us throughout the week,” VanDusen said.
CCHS’ AP Appreciation Week was about more than just decorations and scavenger hunts; it was a meaningful celebration of the crucial role strong leadership and a caring faculty play in fostering a thriving academic environment. Each day, the APs leave a lasting impact on students—whether through offering guidance, handling challenges, or simply sharing a moment of laughter.
By the end of the week, one thing was clear: CCHS’ APs are much more than administrators. They are mentors, pillars of support, and— as the scavenger hunt demonstrated—good sports with a fantastic sense of humor.
