Double duty: Sadiq takes on bigger role as 7-12 principal

This story was originally published in June of 2023 and was updated in November of 2023.

ARHS Principal Talib Sadiq has a new job this year. In addition to being the ARHS principal, a big job on its own, he is also the principal at ARMS. The aim of the 7-12 principal role, created by former Superintendent Michael Morris before his resignation, was to create more alignment between the two schools.

However, ARMS, which had only one principal last year, Diego Sharon, now has two assistant principals–former ARMS science teacher Rich Ferro and former ARHS special education teacher Doreen Reid.

Miki Gromacki and Sam Camera, assistant principals at ARHS, have remained in their roles. Chris Kusek, who worked in the Pathways to Independence Program at ARHS and as a district-wide intensive needs administrator, was added as a third assistant principal at ARHS.

When he spoke to The Graphic in June, Sadiq said he was excited to enter this role. “This is a great opportunity for our district to create meaningful change,” Sadiq said. “The plan is to collaborate with high school and middle school adults and be more aligned, across the board, in academic classes and supporting students.”

Some of these support methods include more aligned counseling programs, novel educational opportunities to stimulate students’ passions, and more project-based learning initiatives.

Sadiq also envisioned a more steady enforcement of a 7-12 phone policy. “Unfortunately, students were using their phones to rendezvous in the bathrooms and leave campus, which takes time and energy away from classwork,” said Sadiq.

In light of revelations of transphobia uncovered at ARMS in May, Sadiq said he is invested in helping with community recovery. He also has his eye on how students’ social-emotional state and the culture of a school can affect learning.

He believes we need to be thinking about gender, culture, religion, and socio-economic background when we are meeting the needs of our “very diverse student population.”

Sadiq is excited about re-evaluating the emphasis on testing placed in the district and focusing on imparting greater lessons through daily instruction. “A main vision I have is seeing a lot more projects and additional ways to assess students, so there will be less reliance on tests/quizzes. Additionally, we want to educate people about the dangers of vaping and appropriate cell phone use,” he said.

Although Sadiq is excited about what lies ahead, he will certainly miss performing all his duties as a high school principal. “I miss being at ARHS every day, greeting students at the front door, and being in the hallways,” he said, but he is excited to be working at ARMS. He currently alternates days between the middle and high school.

Sadiq is not worried about holding both jobs this year. “I have a great administrative team here and there are many caring, thoughtful adults in both schools, and I am excited to work with them on this shift,” he said.

He is also grateful for the help he has received. “I am receiving plenty of positive support to step into this new role. [And this] is an opportunity to create change,” he said.