EXCEL Academy Principal Looks to Build Community Relationships

Diane Kanu is excited to start her year as 's newest principal.

The charter school, which opened only six years ago in the former building of the St. Bernard's Catholic school, has had four principals.

"I know that leadership turnover is a concern for parents," Kanu said, "but I want them to know I'm here for the long haul."

She said great schools need stability and they look more like family.

"A school should be reflective of its community," Kanu added, which is why she hopes to create relationships with the community, neighboring businesses and , so her students can benefit from a foundation of support.

Kanu welcomed hundreds of parents to the school's back-to-school night Tuesday.

A former math teacher, Kanu has worked to teach students at various levels from being a paraprofessional to teaching students at a collegiate level. She's lived and taught in Japan, Hawaii and has been in Prince George's County teaching for 26 years, although she has ten more years of experience on record.

"I particularly gravitate towards students that have fallen through the cracks," she said, noting one of her jobs as the director of portfolio schools with the county, which included alternative and evening schools.

Her experience at the county level, she said, will also help her pass on information to parents about programs available to students once they leave EXCEL Academy, which now has students kindergarten through 8th grades.

Her teaching method is blunt to say the least, as she draws from real life experiences to teach students why their education is important.

If they come to her for disciplinary reasons, Kanu explains how their success or failures could affect the world around them and how they fit into the bigger picture. Her staff isn't immune to lessons as well.

Kanu is looking forward to working in the charter school environment, where students must adhere to the same standards set in the rest of the county schools, however, the school can use alternative methods to get the students there - and with smaller class sizes, a "private school-like experience," it's no wonder there's already a growing waiting list.

Currently, the school will have 360 students, although it can have up to 380 students. Although the school didn't make it's adequate yearly progress this year, it's not in school improvement, because it made it the prior school year.

Kanu wants to support the school's award-winning creative arts program from its choir to ballroom dancing.

"I want to revive the arts," she said, even suggesting a talent show night. "I want children to tap into those gifts too, in addition to flourishing academically."

She also will create a dynamic where teachers will work in groups to help students reach their goals for the year and with Maryland School Assessments.

Short Bio:

• Residence: Lives in Prince George's County
• Family: Married, with three daughters, three stepsons and nine grandchildren
• Education: Bachelor's degrees from Harris Teachers College in St. Louis, MO in Vocal Music and Mathematics and a master's from the University of Hawaii in curriculum and instruction.