The Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees approved the appointment of Jean Milfort as the new principal of Grissom Middle School at their Board meeting held Monday, August 14. Mr. Milfort was hired from Elkhart Central High School on June 26 to be one of the new assistant principals of Schmucker Middle School. However, Mr. Milfort will now serve as principal at Grissom replacing Nathan Boyd.
Mr. Milfort has 14 years of experience in various leadership roles with Elkhart Community Schools, most recently as the assistant principal at Elkhart Central High School. Before serving at Elkhart Central High, he was assistant principal at Hawthorne Elementary School and taught middle school for eight years. Mr. Milfort holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies/Elementary Education from Bethel College and a Masters Degree in Education and Principal Licensure Program from Indiana Wesleyan University. At Elkhart Schools, Mr. Milfort led teacher staff development programs. He also has done a lot of work in the area of student behavior modification, helping to develop a district wide bullying prevention program. Mr. Milfort also taught middle school for eight years.
“I believe middle school is a pivotal point in the lives of students,” said Mr. Milfort in an email to Grissom parents sent Tuesday morning. “It is the age in which they begin determining the course they will and want to take in life. This is why it is critical for them to have a strong educational and social foundation before taking their next step to high school.”
Mr. Milfort went on to say, “In my short time being at PHM and seeing the things you have created and accomplished over the years the message is clear, ‘students are the priority!’ I look forward to bringing my experiences to the Grissom family in order to help continue taking our next steps together in helping students and staff make their good better, and their better it’s best!”
Mr. Milfort started his new position on Tuesday, August 15. 2017
