My name is Sissy L. Dainwood, Principal of Highland Park Elementary. With a total of 20 years in education, I have had the opportunity to serve in the Nederland Independent School District for the last 18 years.  I grew up in Louisiana and attended Tioga High School. I received my undergraduate degree from McNeese State University and went on to get my Masters in Educational Leadership at Lamar University. 

Here at Highland Park as quoted from Jon Gordon, in The Hard Hat “Don’t settle for average. Instead, chase greatness.” That’s exactly what we try to do at Highland Park.

At Highland Park Elementary, we have an amazing staff that truly has a passion for what they do each and every day.  Our teachers at Highland Park Elementary exhibit a high level of commitment to our students in providing them with the best educational experiences.  The teachers and staff at Highland Park are dedicated to providing the best strategies for our students to be successful, not only in school but in the construction of their life.  Together, we will keep working hard to improve the quality of our school community and to provide the best for the children of Highland Park Elementary.

As we continue with this 2022-2023 school year with all of the construction going on, we can’t help but reflect on what we have constructed and achieved under the roof of Highland Park Elementary.

*A campus at 95%

*We achieved 100% closing of learning gaps after COVID

*We achieved student achievement of 93% and school progress of 93%

As stated in the book, The Hard Hat by Jon Gordon, “You don’t have to be great to serve, but you have to serve to be great.” That, ladies and gentlemen, is what we have at Highland Park Elementary, a faculty and staff with a passion and a commitment to serve and provide the best educational experiences for our students.