New Principal Profile Q&A: Dr. Dana Giles, Pebblebrook High

EDITOR'S NOTE: Cobb students return to school on Thursday, August 1. Patch is committed to providing students and parents the information they need to prepare for the 2019-20 school year. Below is the latest in a series of articles on new hires, issues and trends for the new Cobb County school year.

Q: Why are you excited about joining the Pebblebrook High School community?

“Transitioning from Lindley Middle School, I am excited to still be serving the students of the Mableton community. Pebblebrook is a staple in this community. The school’s academic focus, highly-decorated Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA) program, and competitive athletics program attract students from all over the county. I am excited to be a part of this rich heritage.”

Q: What does student success look like for you?

“In high school, student success is obtaining a high school diploma along with being post-secondary and/or employable ready. This is accomplished by providing students a high-quality instructional learning space that is safe, creative, and encouraging. When these components are in place, student success is the obvious outcome.”

Q: What do you like most about being an educator/principal?

“I operate as the Chief Learner in the building. No one should be learning, growing, and developing more than the leader of the building. My job is multifaceted and amazing. I love that I get to continually learn alongside others who share my passion for student success.”

Q: Outside school, where might students, parents or staff members run into you?

“I have three amazing children (two in college and one in high school) who keep me active. I work out 3-4 times a week, so the gym is my second home. Finally, I’m highly involved and invested in my church and love singing and leading worship there.”