October 13, 2025 -- In celebration of National Principals Month, we sat down and talked with Westmoor Middle School Principal Wendy Gittens to gain some insight on the impact principals make each day.
Q: How long have you been with CCS? How long have you served as a building leader? In education?
A: I’ve been with CCS since 2018. This is my third year as a building leader and I have been in education since 2016.
Q: What are the most important decisions you make as a school or district leader?
A: I think it’s ensuring that the right people are in the right place. We must make sure that we are putting the best educators in front of our students at any given time with the staff that we have to work with. There are always considerations you have to weigh to ensure that students are supported holistically while also making sure teacher growth continues.
Q: What is your proudest moment or accomplishment as a school leader?
A: I always love seeing the students mature. Middle school has the shortest tenure of all grade level bands. We only have three years with the students, but we get to see them mature and develop and take on the lessons we try to impart in them. On the way out, a lot of them will say “thank you.” That really warms my heart and makes me come back and do it again.
Q: What motivates you personally and professionally?
A: It is definitely my faith, my family, and my desire to give students furthest from justice options and opportunities.
Q: Describe a student that you have worked with in the past who has demonstrated resilience and determination.
A: I see students everyday who demonstrate those characteristics but there’s one student in particular from when I worked in high school early on. He was very volatile and short tempered. Years after graduation, I saw the student in church service singing in the choir. He ran up to me and said, “Mrs. Gittens, I know you didn’t think I would make it. I’m an emergency flight nurse now.” So when people are in a bad way and need to be rushed to the hospital by air, he is that person saving lives. And that just blessed me and made me say this does make a difference. All the talks we had about you can do better. Every time I see him, I just bubble over with joy.
Q: Columbus City Schools believes Leaders are Grown Here. What guidance would you offer to someone embracing their first leadership role?
A: This is more than a notion. Be sure that your heart is in it because some days, that is all that keeps you in the seat. When you see this little person greeting you or telling you about their day, then you know that you are making a difference. You have contributed to the greater good and you can go home with your head held high knowing that your living is not in vain.
Thank you for all you do, Principal Gittens!
