We would like to welcome Victoria DeGouff to RCS as our new elementary assistant principal at both A.W. Becker and Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary schools. Ms. DeGouff was approved for this newly created position at the Special Board of Education meeting held on Wednesday, July 27. As RCS and all schools continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, Ms. DeGouff will be an integral part of reconnecting with students and families. Her first day in the district will be Monday, August 29. Read a little about her journey in education and her aspirations for RCS in the question and answer below:
Can you tell RCS a little bit about yourself?
The 2022-2023 school year will mark my ninth year in education. Prior to becoming an assistant principal at RCS, I worked in education in various roles. I have been an English Language Arts teacher, a Literacy Teacher, as well as a Middle School Assistant Principal.
In addition to my role as an educator, my favorite things are watching movies, walking with my husband and adorable Goldendoodle, and celebrating Halloween. I look forward to introducing myself and my family to the wonderful people at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District as the elementary assistant principal.
What motivates you?
I believe in a quote by Rita Pierson, “Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”
I try to embody this quote in everything I do as an assistant principal and move forward with the mindset of how we can best support and love our children.
What inspired you to work in the education field?
My grandfather was a principal in the school district where I grew up. Every student knew him. He always showed he cared about all students. He has left a legacy behind that many people have said changed their lives and helped them reach their goals. Seeing that, I believe that education is the most important profession. Where else can you make such a lasting impact and be there for the kids in the same way?
Why did you want to become an administrator?
You are able to support all of the staff as well as the students. Working as an elementary assistant principal will provide me the chance to work collaboratively with teachers on a daily basis while remaining connected to young students learning and growing in the classroom.
I firmly believe that every child can and will do amazing things, and the partnership between home and school builds confidence in students to use their powers to shape their future.
What are some of your goals within your new position?
My conversations with district and building staff have brought me privileged insights into the core beliefs and values at RCS. My goal is to continue the tradition of following the six district values of inquiry, collaboration, risk-taking, participation, empathy, and community.
I am elated to collaborate with the amazing principals at A.W. Becker Elementary and Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary Schools and am committed to always exploring new ways to meet the needs of all students while effectively communicating with parents and the community.
How can the families, students, or community members contact you?
I can be reached at the school by phone at (518) 756-5200 ext. 5002 for A.W. Becker and ext. 4001 for Pieter B. I can also be reached by email at vdegouff@rcscsd.org.
What would you like to share with our elementary families?
I would like the elementary families to know that their support is always appreciated, and I look forward to working in collaboration with them to continue to support our students. Families are always welcome to reach out to me so we can continue to have a collaborative relationship where students feel welcome and become life-long learners.
As a sign on the front door says, “When you enter this loving school, consider yourself one of the most special members of an extraordinary family.”
What are you most excited about working at RCS?
I am most excited about the sense of community. The staff, families, and community are all willing to wrap around the school and support the students to build a positive school environment where students want to learn. I can’t wait to get started.