About Me

Lincoln Family,

First off, welcome to Lincoln Middle School! I will begin by telling you a little bit about myself. I am in my 22nd year in education and all 22 years have been for San Angelo Independent School District. I have previously served as a second grade teacher at Reagan Elementary, a sixth grade ELA teacher and a seventh grade Teen Leadership teacher at Lee Middle School, an At-Risk Coordinator at Glenn Middle School, and Assistant Principal and Principal of Carver Learning Center.  This is my fifth year as Principal of Lincoln Middle School. 

Parents, I want you to know that your child is my top priority. My staff and I will work hard to make sure all students feel safe, comfortable, and are given a quality, equitable education during their time at Lincoln. Our goal is to build positive relationships with all of our students, and help them develop and/or realize their true potential. I have a passion for serving our youth and making a difference in their lives. I want our students to find the greatness within themselves and strive for greatness. My job is to be an advocate for all  students, and I will do that wholeheartedly.  

Your children will be attending a state and nationally recognized campus, as Lincoln Middle School received the distinct honor of being named Texas Schools to Watch and a National Schools to Watch. In addition to that, Lincoln Middle School received the distinct honor of being awarded the Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award for excellence in counseling. Lincoln Middle School was also named a Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase School.

Families, I have an open-door policy so do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am here to serve all staff, students, and parents. I look forward to serving you!  Go Braves, Go Maidens!

Respectfully,

Mr. Gándar

Education

Angelo State University

Honors/Awards

My Why

My journey began from a very young age. I’m a small town barrio kid that persevered through many obstacles. From racism to the everyday stereotype of being Latino, and growing up on the wrong side of town. Kids like myself felt this on a daily basis, but it was the norm. When I was in high school I dropped out in the tenth grade. I also became a daddy in the tenth grade. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive one phone call from my school...not one single phone call or home visit. I was just another dumb Mexican kid from the barrio that dropped out. I was another statistic, and I had accepted that statistic, until late April of that school year. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting outside on the porch of my home when my middle school counselor, Mr. Solis, came by. He came by my home to check on me and to convince me to go back to school. It had been almost 5 months that I had not been in school. Going back to school was something I did not want to do, but I went back. My son was my motivation. Long story short, I’m where I’m at now because of Mr. Solis. He never gave up on me. I’m a firm believer that it takes one person to change a life. I knew that when I became a teacher that I would be that person for my students. I knew that when I became a principal that I not only wanted to be that same person for my students, but that I would surround myself with teachers that shared my same love, passion, and vision. I’m here at Lincoln to serve all my students, staff, and families . I love each and everyone of my students and they will be my students forever. The Lincoln community reminds me of home. The stereotype that the northside faces reminds me of my youth. But like I tell the kids, it’s about proving people wrong and proving to themselves that they are good enough and that they can become successful. I’m at Lincoln to impact and change the lives of our youth, and my love and passion is shared by the Lincoln staff. I’m glad that God has called me to lead, and I’m glad that He placed me at the best middle school in town, Lincoln Middle School. All of my experiences set me up for this moment. The success and mindset of my students is my “Why”. I will never give up on them.

Contact Information

Email: joe.gandar@saisd.org

Phone: (325) 659-3550 ext. 113

Fax: (325) 659-3559