18 years ago, Beth Hines became a HeadStart paraprofessional at Chapel Hill ISD. This summer, after 13 very successful years at Arp Elementary, she took over as the school's new principal.
"It is still a little surreal," explained Hines. "Every step of the way has been filled with amazing mentors that pushed me out of my comfort zone and each time it led to God opening doors at just the right time."
One of her first orders of business was to hire someone to fill her shoes as assistant principal, a role she had held the last two years.
Hines found a kind-hearted lady from Henderson in Tonya Davis.
"I am most excited about becoming part of a new family, the Arp Tiger family," exclaimed Davis. I cannot wait to meet all of the staff and students."
Hines' promotion came after the school's previous principal Stephanie Schminkey was promoted to the district's K-8 academic director.
Beth Hines, Arp Elementary principal: Despite wearing a bigger hat, her philosophy remains, "Teach students to love learning."
"If our students do not love being here, and love learning then we are not going to be able to teach them content. We have to meet their social and emotional needs first, so their minds and bodies are ready for the academics," Hines stressed.
While her entire educational journey has prepared her new role, she believes her time as assistant principal allowed her to grow as a leader.
"I have been able to build even stronger relationships with our staff, students, and families. I think that I have learned where we are strong and can help identify areas we can still improve with the help of our team," said Hines.
She also understands the shift of responsibility to being in charge of a school.
"As an assistant principal, my role was to support our teachers, campus, and principal in all things. Moving into the principal position, I will now carry and support our campus with the help of our staff," Hines clarified.
She adds a very valuable regard, "The Bible says, 'To whom much is given, much is required,'" noting that being a leader is a gift.
"I have to ensure that our staff, and students are loved, safe, and grow alongside one another."
Expressing her appreciation for the partnership the school district has established with Capturing Kids Hearts, she stresses the importance of teachers building relationships with students in order to help them get to the point where they love learning.
"Our theme this year with teachers is "Together we thrive." I think that encompasses what we are all about. We want students, and teachers to do more than just survive the day to day of schooling. We want them to flourish and thrive," Hines stated.
Hines' prior experience is:
Arp Elementary: Assistant principal - 2021-23.
Arp Elementary: Reading intervention & literacy coach - 2018-21.
Arp Elementary: Kindergarten teacher - 2013-18.
Arp Elementary: Pre-K teacher - 2011-13.
Henderson ISD: 2nd grade teacher - 2009-11.
Chapel Hill ISD: Head Start Paraprofessional, Literacy Intervention Assistant - 2005-09.
Hines is a 2000 graduate of Whitehouse High School. She attended Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler, earning her bachelor degree in 2009, and her master in 2018.
Tonya Davis, Arp Elementary assistant principal: "I love to learn," Davis said.
That mindset is part of what helped her achieve her associate degree over a 25-year period while she was a mom to three boys, and ran a business from home.
Then an opportunity arose.
"Dr. Janice Early from Texas A&M-Texarkana approached the kindergarten principal at Henderson ISD, where I was an aide, about a new program that allowed aides to work towards a bachelor's degree while working in a school setting. I jumped in with both feet and have never looked back," Davis explained.
She ultimately began teaching in 2009 at Wylie Elementary at Henderson ISD. Davis would be a first and a third grade teacher until 2017.
She moved down the road to Carlisle teach second and fifth grade from 2017-2022.
Davis stresses that her philosophy as she joins Arp ISD is summed up in one word, "Grace. Grace to others and grace to myself."
Davis grew up in Blossom before graduating from Prairiland High School in Pattonville.
She earned her associate's degree from Kilgore College, bachelor's from A&M-Texarkana, and master's from SFA.