Spend a little time with PJHS Principal Dr. Kanyon Petti, and you’ll hear her talk about two things, showing up for students and making sure they know they matter.

Every morning, Dr. Petti shares the previous day’s attendance rate on the announcements. PJHS is working toward having at least 95% of students at school each day. If the school averages 95% for the month, students get ice cream at lunch. Students with perfect attendance are also entered into a drawing for gift cards and Owala cups. It’s a fun way to keep everyone focused on being there and ready to learn.

That work is paying off in the classroom, too. PJHS saw growth on the Georgia Milestones last year. Teachers meet regularly to look at student progress and plan extra help or new challenges. Students are setting their own academic goals and can talk confidently about what they’re working toward. Dr. Petti is especially proud of seeing her staff lead and learn from one another through their new PL Pathways.

But there’s something Dr. Petti wishes the community could see for itself, and that’s the work her staff puts in every day to make sure students are safe, supported, educated, and loved. Middle school is such a pivotal time, and she sees PJHS staff go above and beyond for students. “It takes a special person to teach and work in a middle school,” she says.

Families can catch up on all that’s happening through Dr. Petti’s weekly Facebook video updates. She says a typical day at PJHS has far more smiles and laughter than people might expect. In the hallways, students and staff are encouraged to greet each other or offer a kind word as they pass. We think that says a lot about the people who make PJHS what it is and about Dr. Petti’s leadership.