Mrs. Sara Rattigan embraces new role as assistant principal

On+March+20th%2C+Mrs.+Sara+Rattigan+officially+began+her+new+position+at+NPHS+as+assistant+principal+in+the+junior+home+office.+After+serving+as+an+English+teacher+at+West+Chester+East+High+School%2C+Rattigan+is+eager+to+serve+as+part+of+the+NPHS+admin+team.

Taylor Young

On March 20th, Mrs. Sara Rattigan officially began her new position at NPHS as assistant principal in the junior home office. After serving as an English teacher at West Chester East High School, Rattigan is eager to serve as part of the NPHS admin team.

TOWAMENCIN- After serving as an English teacher at West Chester East High School, Mrs. Sarah Rattigan officially made the transition from the classroom to the junior home office as an assistant principal at NPHS on March 20th. Although such a significant shift in jobs may seem daunting, Rattigan has been embracing every moment since the minute she stepped foot into NPHS.

“I’m not scared at all. I’m embracing this. I love every moment of it. I have had such a great time here so far,” stated Rattigan.

I’m not scared at all. I’m embracing this. I love every moment of it. I have had such a great time here so far

— Mrs. Sara Rattigan

Throughout her first week, Rattigan explained that walking into the unknown and leaving her students proved to be the hardest aspect of transition; however, she noted that the immense support from the staff at NPHS has helped her greatly.

“I think the hardest part was transitioning from the known to the unknown,” said Rattigan. “I knew what I did every day in my English class. I knew the lesson, I knew the unit, and I knew the kids. I was a little shell-shocked… It was a really nice, smooth week. I had a lot of support; the admin team is awesome here. The faculty here has been super supportive, so I feel like I’m at home. I miss my kids though for sure.”

In addition, Rattigan expressed how much she already enjoys serving NPHS as an assistant principal; not only does the unknown interest her, but also the pace of the job. Rattigan mentioned that she enjoys knowing her schedule could change at any moment, keeping her on her toes.

Discussing the size of NPHS, Rattigan explained that it’s neither as large nor as overwhelming as she initially thought.

“For how big the school is, the size, it feels very close knit,” explained Rattigan. “I see the same kids in the hall, and I recognize kids. I see a lot of the same faculty members. Once I figured out the layout of the building, it made it a little bit more digestible. I like that it’s smaller than I thought, and I like the North Penn pride. People are very prideful. I like that it’s a sports school. I wasn’t used to that at my previous school. We weren’t powerhouses like you guys are here, so I really like that. It’s just not nearly as overwhelming as I thought it was going to be, but I’m really happy here. It’s much more close knit; it’s very community-oriented, which is exactly what I like.”

It’s just not nearly as overwhelming as I thought it was going to be, but I’m really happy here. It’s much more close knit; it’s very community-oriented, which is exactly what I like

— Mrs. Sara Rattigan

As an assistant principal in the junior home office, Rattigan also expressed her excitement for working with the junior class. Having the opportunity to come in for Junior Prom, Rattigan noted that she is already looking forward to their Senior Prom.

With a feeling of great enthusiasm, Rattigan stated she has had the opportunity to work on a few projects already.

“My goal is that I’ve got a couple small projects; I want to revamp a few things here. It’s nice that they’re giving me the opportunity to do that. In school suspension is one of my projects, summer school is another project, Keystone remediation, concurrent and dual enrollment. I’m going to take on these little projects, and I want to revamp them to make them more up to date and just easier for everybody,” explained Rattigan.

Not only is Rattigan looking forward to working on the projects, but also getting involved in the everyday activities that define NPHS. Rattigan explained that she is excited for the sporting events, and her husband even has a goal to attend all of the NPHS football games. She also looks forward to bringing her daughter to the events at NPHS.

In addition to taking on the new role as the new assistant principal, Rattigan continues to work on finishing her Doctorate, which she hopes to complete in December, and has taken up running again. She recently ran a 5K in Philadelphia with some friends. And as a result of a love for travel, Rattigan stated that she and her husband are planning something for the summer; however, the destination is undecided.

Rattigan also joked about dissolving a rumor going around.

“We can dissolve the rumor about me having twins,” laughed Rattigan. “There’s rumors going around the school saying that I’m 27 and that I have twins, but I don’t have twins, and I’m not 27.”