Mirror Q & A: Kristy Yankee

After seven years as assistant principal of DHS, Kristy Yankee will be moving on at the end of the summer. The Mirror recently caught up with the optimistic AP to get the scoop.

Mirror: What goals did you have for yourself entering DHS? Did you achieve those goals?

Yankee: To be honest, I wish that we had been able to dive into some more curricular projects. These types of projects are in my wheelhouse and I was excited to get started. However, just when we were gearing up to do some important, collaborative curriculum work, we found ourselves navigating a pandemic. March 12, 2020 was such a pivotal day - everything seemed to stop, yet education needed to continue on.

If I were not leaving, I would have liked to spend time analyzing the various levels of our courses, i.e. AP; Honors; CP1 and CP2. I would have liked to facilitate conversations with the DHS community about equity and academic expectations. I especially would want to do some work with the student handbook, including students and parents in its analysis and eventual potential changes.

M: What is your post-DHS plan?

Y: My plan is to take advantage of my new, flexible schedule! I look forward to attending all of my children’s school events and after school activities. They are 11 and 8 years old and have a lot of exciting things going on. This will be the first time I will be able to chaperone their field trips, which I can’t wait to do! I will be able to get to the gym more, as well. Next year, while my kids are in school, I will be working on my Doctorate- I am working on my Psy D (Doctor of Psychology) in Leadership Psychology. I might work part time here and there for schools or local professional organizations.

M: What do you believe to be your greatest accomplishment at DHS?

Y: The most rewarding and special accomplishments have been when a student was able to turn around a difficult situation. I think about the moments when I felt I might have helped in some small way (or maybe big way!) There have been many times when a student was close to not graduating and was able to do it in the end. There is nothing like seeing students accomplish things they never thought they could or when kids in general reach their full potential. I cherish the conversations when students have come to me for help and opened up to me. What an honor that has been; I cherish every moment! I am also proud of the work that the DHS community has done to persevere through a pandemic… it was NOT easy!

M: What will you miss most about DHS?

Y: I will miss the people. The students, staff, treachers, and families in this community are truly amazing! I will miss that “family” feeling about coming to work and helping students who need it. I will especially miss the school spirit of staff and students and my fellow administrators! We make a great team.

M: Do you have a favorite memory from your time at DHS?

Y: There are WAY too many laughs and memories to list. There are a few special situations with students that will stay with me forever; especially some difficult ones that brought about some truly genuine connections. I will always remember the fun we had during the holidays, at Prom, during spirit weeks, senior weeks, and sporting events! I can’t believe I just attended my last prom after going to so many after my own high school experience. Such great memories!

M: What advice would you give to the student body?

Y:

• Believe you can. Even if it seems out of reach.

• “Always take the call.” You never know what opportunities or connections will come from trying something new

• Get outside the United States (or at least MA) at some point. Get to know another culture.

• If you’re unhappy, be brave and make a change.

• Look for and appreciate the beauty in the little things in life.

• Hug your mom. (Or dad, or someone you care about.)

• Cry when you feel it coming on. It releases chemicals in the brain and is your body’s way of helping!

M: What advice would you give the new assistant principal?

Y: Spend the first year building relationships and learning about the culture and climate of DHS. Help students connect to the school by making sure they know all of the clubs and activities available to them. Be creative and think outside of the box if a student is struggling. Take your time! When in doubt, talk through major decisions with as many stakeholders as possible before making a decision.

M: Would you like to make any other comments?

Y: As I leave, I would like to say that it has been one of the great privileges of my life to serve as an Assistant Principals at Dedham HIgh School. I love this school and this town. I have learned and grown so much and am a better person for having gotten to know this community.

Special thanks to Mr. Forrest and Mr. Cavanaugh, my amazing colleagues, for supporting me when I needed it, and understanding my decision to step away and be home with my family. I am grateful for the mutual trust and shared commitment to the success of DHS. Thank you for an amazing seven years! I will miss DHS so much.

Theresa Stronach, class of 2023, is the Editor-in-Chief of the Dedham Mirror. She also competes as a Marauder on the field hockey, ice hockey, and softball teams, and is a member of the Performing Arts Company at DHS.