New Principal: Gina Parker, Saint John the Baptist Elementary School

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

DRAPER — Recently Gina Parker accept the position of principal at Saint John the Baptist Elementary School on the Skaggs Catholic Center in Draper.

Parker’s journey with Utah Catholic Schools began when she took a position as a paraeducator at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School in Kearns. She then continued as a teacher at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School in Salt Lake City, then moved to Saint John the Baptist Elementary, where she became the director of curriculum and faculty development and, as this school year opens, she will be the principal.

“My experiences as a paraeducator at SFX Catholic School and as an educator and faculty member at Cosgriff and SJB schools have taught me invaluable lessons,” Parker said.

An understanding of diverse learning needs, effective classroom management and the importance of building a positive and inclusive environment are skills that she is bringing with her into this new professional chapter of her life.

“These roles have also reinforced my belief in the power of community and collaboration in achieving our educational goals,” she added.

As the new principal at Saint John the Baptist Elementary, her primary goal at the moment is to guide the school through the Western Catholic Educational Association accreditation process, she said. 

“Accreditation is a vital process that will help us reflect on our practices, celebrate our strengths and identify areas for growth,” and she aims to ensure “that our school meets and exceeds the standards of academic excellence and Catholic identity,” she said.

Another key goal that Parker has is to enhance parental and community involvement in the school. 

“By fostering stronger partnerships with families and local organizations, we can create a supportive network that enriches our students’ educational experience and strengthens our school community,” she said.

Acknowledging that every new role comes with its own challenges, Parker said she is ready to tackle the ones she will face in her new position. 

“One of the biggest challenges will be navigating the complexities of the accreditation process while maintaining our high standards of education and faith formation,” Parker said.

Along with this, she recognizes “the need to support our dedicated teachers and staff as they adapt to new expectations and continue to provide exceptional education to our students,” she said.

Having been part of the Skaggs Catholic Center community for the past 12 years makes her feel honored to now be guiding the students through the elementary program there, she said. 

“I have seen firsthand the positive impact our school has on students and their families, and I am excited to contribute to this legacy of excellence,” Parker said.

Parker holds a Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in reading, and is in her second year of a master’s degree in educational leadership at Creighton University.

Her decision to become part of the Utah Catholic Schools system was because of her deep faith and commitment to providing a Catholic education for her own children, she said. 

“Being part of this system means being able to nurture the spiritual and academic growth of our students in a faith-filled environment. It is a privilege to be part of a community that values education, faith and service,” she said.

She is grateful to the SJB Elementary community for the warm welcome they have given her as she steps into her new role, she said, adding that she is excited to embark on this journey with them and is looking forward to working together to continue the tradition of excellence at the school. “Let us strive to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. Together, we can achieve great things,” she said.

Mark Longe, superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools, praised Parker, saying she “is dedicated to promoting academic excellence while nurturing the spiritual and moral development of students in accordance with Catholic values.”