Erin Powell joins A.C. Stelle

by Stephanie Bertholdobertholdo@theacorn.com

Erin Powell Las Virgenes Unified School District officials welcomed Erin Powell back to the district as the new assistant principal at Alice C. Stelle Middle School in Calabasas

Prior to her most recent assignment as assistant principal for Las Colinas Middle School in Camarillo, Powell worked for the school district in several positions. She was a counselor at Agoura High School for four years. For one year, she split her time between A.E. Wright Middle School and A.C. Stelle as a counselor and administrative intern.

“I really like what Las Virgenes stands for,” Powell said about her return to the district. She said that the recent district decision to focus on student bullying and harassment was compelling, since at-risk student issues are her “specialty” and she has spearheaded many programs in this area.

An education innovator, Powell created the district’s peer counseling and freshman transition programs. At Agoura High School, she started the AHS Think Tank, a program that addresses the needs of underachieving students.

Powell was recently honored as the Westlake Village Citizen of the Year for creating the acclaimed “Is Your Teen Road Ready” program. The five-yearold program brings parents and teens together to teach safe driving.

“I’m very excited that Las Virgenes is working towards improving students’ self-esteem and abilities to be as socially strong as they are academically,” Powell said.

Powell will work closely with Chris Regan, a newly hired dean at the school. She said they will work together to decrease bullying and harassment among students and help at-risk kids meet the social and academic demands of middle school.

“The district made an excellent decision to bring deans into schools,” Powell said. She explained that the new position will allow more time for her and Regan to be in the classrooms “where we can make a difference.” Powell noted that the more counselors are able to interact with students, the better students will behave. She makes a point of “noticing” when students treat each other nicely.

Research shows that positive reinforcement from teachers inspires students to repeat proper behavior.

Powell will also serve as the school’s administrative representative for special needs students. She said she’ll be “attuned” to the needs of the at-risk students to help youth foster social skills. She hopes to individualize her approach to fit the needs of all students.

According to a Special Education Parent Teacher Association representative, about 10 percent of any student population has special needs. At A.C. Stelle, that translates into about 100 students.

“We are excited to have Ms. Powell and Mr. Regan join the management team in Las Virgenes and look forward to a very successful year,” said Stephen Hanke, the district’s assistant superintendent of personnel.

Powell, 42, earned her bachelor’s degree in communications at UC San Diego. She completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, along with a master’s in science, counseling and guidance, at California Lutheran University.

Prior to entering administration, Powell taught English for seven years in high school and middle school.

Powell is married with four children, all of whom attend Las Virgenes schools. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf, reading and traveling.

“I’m very excited to be back in the Las Virgenes district, and have the opportunity to work with old friends and new colleagues,” Powell said. “I want to make education exciting for our middle school kids.”