Correction: Kacy Wolfe is the new principal at Leesburg Elementary School. An earlier version of this story listed a different name.
FRUITLAND PARK — For Becca Coulter, being named head of school at Holy Trinity Episcopal School was an opportunity that came along at the perfect time.
Coulter endured the loss of her husband, Richard, who died from complications caused ALS in December. So, she was beginning a new chapter in her life and career. Daily Commercial spoke to her on the six-month anniversary of his passing.
‘It’s a tough day, but God is good,” she said resolutely. “I feel like being here at the school is what God had planned.”
Holy Trinity, she said, is “a very unique school with a great family atmosphere.” The school occupies a a historic Carpenter Gothic church located at 2201 Spring Lake Road, Fruitland Park, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The nonprofit private school, according to its website, is specifically designed to meet the needs of students in grades 6-12.
The students, Coulter said, were a big reason why she loves being head of school at Holy Trinity.
“They’re just very open and kind,” she emphasized. “You can tell when you come to our campus that our kids like our school … they’re comfortable being here.”
Coulter has worked in education for 20-plus years in various states, mostly in Colorado and in Florida. “This staff is the most dedicated staff I’ve ever worked with. They’re just, they’re here because they love the kids. They love the mission of our school, and they go above and beyond for our kids.”
The private school in Fruitland Park provides curriculum and support tailored for students with ADHD and other learning differences.
“We’re not just focused on the things that are a struggle for our students, but what gifts do they have that we can grow and nurture. So, we are essentially working with students who have unique learning abilities. … Our design, our passion, involves helping our kids harness their unique abilities. So, we’re kind of unique at the outset.”
Coulter’s first year on the job is also the first year of an ambitious new transition program at Holy Trinity, created for students who have an IEP or a 504 (individualized education plan and eligibility for accommodations) are entitled to continue in school until they turn 22.
“Our students can stay on and get more help, and we’re finding just that, that our seniors do need help with that transition to either trade school or college or work environments. They just need that extra support because of their unique abilities to transition for whether it be interpersonal skills or work skills, or the academic skills needed at a job.”
Coulter is also spearheading a new summer program for students with dyslexia and reading challenges, and said that she and her staff are undergoing a new certification process this summer to provide additional reading instruction.
“It’s a really intensive reading program. … A lot of people don’t get identified early or know they have dyslexia either. We feel like that’s something that we can bring, not only in intensive courses for our students here, but hopefully, start to soon offer the community at large after-school tutoring programs for students who are struggling with reading. So we’re excited about that also, to be able to offer more to the community.”
New principals at Leesburg and Fruitland Park elementary schools
Kacy Wolfe, assistant principal at Aurelia M. Cole Academy, has been promoted to principal of Leesburg Elementary School.
Wolfe will fill the role vacated by Leesburg Elementary Principal Susan Jordan, who has been assigned to lead Fruitland Park Elementary as principal there.
“I am incredibly honored,” said Wolfe, quoted in a Lake County schools press release.
Jordan, who began her career with Lake County Schools in August 2000, has taught and held administrative positions in the district. She earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Central Florida and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.
Wolfe has been a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and assistant principal first at Eustis Heights Elementary before her AP tenure at Aurelia M. Cole Academy.
“Each of these roles has shaped who I am as a leader and deepened my belief in the power of high-quality instruction, with a strong emphasis on literacy as the foundation of lifelong learning,” she added.
According to Lake County Schools’ spokesperson, Wolfe is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, staff and community partners.
“I believe that when we work together — with shared goals and high expectations — there is no limit to what our students can achieve,” she said. “I am committed to fostering a school culture where every child has the opportunity to learn, lead, and achieve. I’m excited to join the Eagle family and the vibrant Leesburg community, and I look forward to partnering with you to create a safe, supportive, and academically rich environment where every student can soar.”
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: A new chapter for Trinity Episcopal head of school and two new Lake County Schools principals
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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