Dr. Galcik

In November of 2004, the school board of the Highlands School District was awarded its seventh Tri State Award of Excellence from the Tri State Regional Organization. These awards are given for establishing a leadership agenda clearly focused on improving student academic performance in grades kindergarten through twelve. While Dr. Karol Galcik, Assistant Superintendent at Highlands, is extremely proud of the district for receiving these prestigious awards, she explains that there is an even greater quality for which she is most proud of the folks at Highlands.

The characteristic that makes Karol Galcik most proud of her district is the “sincere sense of the community being family.” She explains, “Whenever there’s a problem, everyone at Highlands, the support staff, teachers, administration, children, families, businesses, … everyone wants to help.” For example, most recently when the flood occurred, everyone came forward saying, “What can I do?” Moreover, notes Karol, “They follow through and do whatever is needed.” For the thirteen years she has been at Highlands, the district has always demonstrated a caring commitment to needy families.

In addition, Dr. Galcik believes that one aspect in particular sets Highlands apart from other schools. With great excellence the administration has developed an academic awards program which continues to receive statewide recognition. Every semester students in grades 5 – 12 are awarded for academic performance. For a certain level of achievement, students receive the “Brown Award,” for a higher achievement, the “Gold Award,” representing Highlands school colors. At the end of the year, the students who have earned a 3.8 grade point average and the “Top Ten” academic students are honored at a formal banquet. The top ten high school students receive a plaque as well.

Dr. Galcik has been very instrumental in developing the quality programs at Highlands. While she was principal at Highlands Middle School, the school received the very prestigious honor of the Middle School of the Year Award. Then she was awarded an even more outstanding accolade, “Middle School Principal of the Year,” for the innovative programs and her excellent leadership.

Currently Karol is working on new programs to improve student achievement. Though the district faces the challenge of maintaining their exceptional curricula and programs with federal funding cuts, she is striving to provide before and after school sessions for the students. With the “No Child Left Behind” standards, some children need the extra tutoring sessions. “We want to help develop skills for our students,” she explains. Another goal for Dr. Galcik is to reach out to get more parental involvement. She believes in working together with parents to strengthen the parents’ ability to help their children.

When not involved in her school duties, Dr. Galcik loves spending time with her family. Her husband, John, is a retired school teacher, and she has three grown children, John, Gabriel, and Abby. Also providing joy to her life are four grandchildren. “I love being with them and teaching them!” she states with a smile. With any remaining spare time, Karol enjoys reading. Though much of her reading must be keeping herself abreast of educational studies, she loves simply reading for pleasure.

It is clear that Highlands has a gem in Dr. Galcik. She keeps a strong focus on the instructional and academic programs, using her expertise to continually improve them. With a dedication to excellence, she provides professional development and academic coaches to further the skills of the teachers and students, as well as researching new quality programs to meet student needs. Without a doubt, Highlands will continue to earn awards and recognition with Dr. Galcik as a part of the administrative team.