Get to Know Principal Christie Heerschop

October is National Principals Month! To celebrate, we’re sharing short Q&As with each of our principals—giving you a glimpse into their leadership style, favorite parts of school life, and what drives their #PHMExcellence every day.

If you could swap places with a student for one day, what class or activity would you be most excited to participate in — and why?

I am so torn! I would join a Kindergarten class or our Early Learning Academy pre-K classroom! There is a lot of learning that happens, but also so much fun.

What’s your go-to morning routine (or must-have snack/coffee order) that helps you tackle the day?

I have a half-hour drive to and from school so I listen to audiobooks on my way in. Sometimes they’re “for fun” books and sometimes they’re professional books. Also – coffee…coffee…coffee.

What were you like as a middle or high school student — and what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

In high school, I was a good student, but probably talked too much! I played volleyball, softball, and worked on our yearbook. The piece of advice I’d give to myself would be to enjoy each and every day – the years tick by quickly!

If your job as a principal had a theme song, what song would be your walk up song–the one playing when you walked into school each day?

“Happy” – Pharrell Williams

What was your favorite school lunch or snack when you were a student? What is your favorite school lunch now as a principal?

As a student…PBJ! As a principal – protein bar and an apple! (so boring)

What’s one fun fact about you that most students or staff don’t know?

I skipped 8th grade…so I started high school when I was 13!

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of school that might surprise people?

No hidden talents other than I’m ambidextrous. My hobbies are reading, baking, and visiting MLB ballparks.

What’s one thing on your bucket list you still hope to do one day?

Attend a World Series game or a Final Four game

What’s your favorite school tradition or event?

We have One Book One School every year, and I love it so much. It fosters a sense of community and shared experience among students and families, promotes literacy by encouraging a love for reading, strengthens the home-school connection, and provides a shared theme to unite students across different grade levels.

If you could describe your school in one word, what would it be?

Community