The principal’s office — you might’ve been nervous about it once upon a time, but visit one now and you’ll feel anything but. Waiting for you there will be an educator who’s set themselves apart for their leadership and dedication. You’ll be warmed by their caring heart. You’ll be wowed by their innovative vision. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll be welcomed by Jessica Abel-Pype.
“Leadership is about impact. I loved being a classroom teacher. You get to impact the 25 kids in front of you,” said Abel-Pype, principal at Dalton Elementary School. She joined Aurora Public Schools (APS) in 2009 teaching fifth grade at Altura Elementary School, eventually becoming the Dalmatians’ (Dalton’s mascot) top dog in 2018. “Each role after that, I recognized I could broaden my impact. So to be principal, and know that I’m supporting others in ways that have a lasting impact, is what keeps me coming back.”
From day one at Dalton, Abel-Pype realized that “change was necessary.” The state of Colorado had recently listed the Dalmatians as a priority improvement school. Abel-Pype met the challenge head-on by instituting a new curriculum supported by data-driven instruction.
“Jessica is one of the most effective school principals I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” said Garrett Rosa, an Elementary/P-8 Instructional Director at APS. “Under her leadership, Dalton has consistently improved student outcomes each year since her arrival.”
Now, Dalton joins the proud ranks of APS’ 20 performance schools—the highest rating given by the state. In addition to the beefed-up classroom instruction, Abel-Pype also credits her committed crew as a key to her school’s success. “We’re very fortunate that Dalton’s staff works extremely hard to learn, grow and do better by our students every day,” she said.
Abel-Pype and Rosa alike preach the importance of a collaborative and supportive school culture. Rosa details that, “Her guidance has fostered significant growth within her staff, cultivating a strong, cohesive team.”
Abel-Pype says that’s entirely by design. “When a school can hold on to great teachers because they feel taken care of, schools can continue to grow and build on what they did the year before,” she said.
Within her walls, Abel-Pype is leading the daily victories that will ultimately support her students’ lifelong dreams. Like any great leader, she’s working to empower them.
“Our job is to teach students they can be in charge of their own learning,” she said. “If we equip them with the right skills and confidence, they’ll see education as an avenue to whatever they want to have in their future.”