WASHINGTON — The call over the radio didn’t sound good. It didn’t sound good
at all.
In the middle of the school day, Powell Elementary School Principal Janeece Docal
heard
words that would put any administrator on edge.
“We need you up in Ms. Dillard’s room,” the urgent radio call advised.
“What’s happening?” Docal responded with some tension in her voice.
“Can’t really go over it on the radio,” the voice said. “We just need you here
please.”
Less than a minute later, Docal arrived in the classroom. What she found was
anything but trouble.
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson, Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser and
smiling students burst into applause and chants.
“Good job! Good job!” they shouted in unison.
Henderson then announced that Docal was the 2014 DCPS Principal of the Year.
“I thought I was coming up for something totally different,” Docal said, becoming
a little emotional.”
She gathered herself for a moment and continued.
“I love what I do,” she said. “I love this job more than anything. I wouldn’t
imagine working anywhere else.”
Henderson highlighted her “outstanding track record of success” as principal at
Powell.
Enrollment has shot up from about 200 to 450 since she assumed the position
during the 2009-2010 school year.
“You are bringing families back to D.C. Public Schools,” Henderson said.
Bowser encouraged the students to model their work ethic after their principal’s.
“When you work really hard, and you’re fair and you expect great things, you get
rewarded,” she said
The distinction includes a $10,000 award. Docal will also be recognized at the
annual Standing Ovation for D.C. Teachers in January.
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