Candice Ruiz
Principal
about me
Education
My parents instilled my love of learning by encouraging me to read, ask questions and to dream big. My educational journey entails a year-round school experience in middle school and being the first graduating class of the International School of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas. I received my Bachelors from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Interdisciplinary Studies and my Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas.
Family
I am happily married to my best friend for 16 years now. Being a mom of twin boys is a dream come true. My boys complete my life where I reign as Queen of our busy and crazy home.
Favorite Things
Here are a few of my favorite things:
living a ranch life in the city complete with a vegetable and butterfly garden and chickens,
taking yearly road trips with my family
volunteering and giving back to the community
and completing do-it-yourself projects.
My journey
After graduating from college in 2002, I couldn't wait to make a difference in a child's life by being an educator. I began my first teaching position at Wedgeworth Elementary in Waxahachie, Texas. I enjoyed that learning experience, but I was eager to continue the work I began in Dallas ISD where I completed my student teaching.
In 2003, I returned to Sam Houston Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher and had the unique opportunity to teach the same group of students in their 3rd and 4th grade year.
In 2007, I decided to teach middle school students at TJ Rusk Middle School and to begin my Masters in Educational Leadership as I wanted to make an even bigger impact as an educator.
In 2009, I graduated with my Masters and worked a year as a specialist in the MLEP department for Dallas ISD. I missed students immensely so I accepted a position as an Assistant Principal at Medrano Middle School which was an Improvement Required School. Our hard work and focus paid off and we were removed from that list.
In 2013, I became the Principal at Edwin J. Kiest Elementary which was an Improvement Required School. In one year, my staff and I were able to earn 5 distinctions by dreaming, believing and working hard.
In 2014, I became the Principal at Robert T. Hill Middle School, where we have strengthened our relationships in our community while improving instruction. This past year, we submitted a proposal to become a Choice School for International Studies and Global Leadership. I am proud to announce in the 2020-2021 school year, we will pilot this proposal which will encourage our students to engaged in design thinking and innovative problem solving through a process of investigating their world, developing empathy, communicating ideas, and taking action. Watch out, here come the Highlanders!
My Why
Education is key
One of my greatest joys is when I see a former student graduating from high school. It brings me such happiness to celebrate this milestone accomplishment. This stepping stone leads to an opportunity for higher education which can change their life forever. I am driven to ensure each student is given a quality education filled with relevance, meaningful relationships and rigor. This will empower them to be change agents in their personal life, community and in the world they will inherit.
This year, I am especially excited that my former 6th grade student, Saul Quirino, will be a social studies teacher here at Robert T. Hill Middle School.
MY responsibilities
Principal Ruiz
RUIZ ORG CHART.pdfHouse
