School's new faces include more than students

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torri Ingalsbe
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Children attending Liberty Intermediate and Lakenheath Middle Schools will see new faces this year as both schools have new principals. 

Both Terri Marshall and John Fletcher are no strangers to Europe, but this is a first-time for each of them to be assigned to the United Kingdom. 

Mr. Fletcher is the new principal at Liberty Intermediate School and has been with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools since 1982. He said he has high hopes for the kids at his school. 

"I want to help the kids to feel more self-confident by building their autonomy as well as educating them," Mr. Fletcher said. "It's important for the parents to help their children, but not make their decisions for them at this age." 

Sharing Mr. Fletcher's philosophy on education, Ms. Marshall also feels that a child's education is a team effort. 

"I believe in doing things that are in the best interest of the students," Ms. Marshall said.  "I think that a child's education relies heavily on teachers and parents. It's kind of like a triangle of students, teachers and parents working together for the success of the student." 

Ms. Marshall has been with DODDS since 1994 and came here from Washington D.C.
Both principals said they are excited to be here in the United Kingdom and everyone has made them feel very welcome. 

With their big plans and "kids first" philosophies, the principals at Liberty Intermediate and Lakenheath Middle Schools are new faces the students will grow to appreciate.