San Juan Hills High School welcomes a new principal, Jennifer Smalley, following the retirement of the former principal, Tom Ressler.

Jennifer Smalley was a principal at Aliso Viejo middle school previously, and is now adapting from 1100 to 2400 students.

“The size is a big change for me because I am not able to get to know the students as fast as I use to… and there are a lot more teachers,” Smalley said.

The students of San Juan Hills High School are making an effort to get to know their new principal and would like to hear more from her.

“Principal Smalley seems like a very nice person, but I feel like she should talk and get involved with students more…many of us don’t know her that well or haven’t really heard her spoke before,” said Hailey Reyno (12).

Students begin to recognize changes going on throughout the school with some adjustments that are slowly being made on campus.

“I feel that she is establishing a lot of rules not previously enforced so that she makes sure she isn’t known as someone that people can take advantage of… but I am hoping as the year plays out she loosens up just a little bit on the rules,” said TJ Cavaliere (12).

She wants students to feel that she is accessible to discuss any situations, concerns, or new ideas.

“I hope that kids feel like I am approachable and that they can come up and talk to me and share ideas with me,” said Smalley.

She has a positive attitude towards the student’s intelligence, diverse education, and the athletic and arts program.

“I love how smart, bright, articulate, and grown up the students are, I love the curriculum, and I love the athletic and arts component,” Smalley.

Some of Smalley’s goals include getting to know the culture, students, parents, and teachers while continuing to move the school forward. There are a lot of changes coming to San Juan hills, including the conservatory program, expansion of the athletics program, and giving teachers additional training for common core.

“I would also like to see our school become really inclusive… sometimes not all groups come to the dance or football games and I want all students to feel welcomed and included,” says Smalley.

Principal Smalley is always looking for ways to make significant changes and improvements to San Juan Hills High School to give all students the best high school experience.