Meet Stacey Gist, our new principal at Esperero Canyon Middle School! With more than 15 years in education, including experience as a principal, assistant principal, and district-level leader, Ms. Gist (hard “g,” like “goal”) is known for transforming challenges into successes, building strong teams, and keeping students at the center of every decision. She brings energy, confidence, and a passion for middle school education to ECMS. Let’s put on our running shoes and try to keep up with her busy day.First stop: greeting students with Ms. Griffith before the first bell.
Student request of the day: “Can we get a baby cow?” Ms. Gist, laughing: “No… not in the budget.”Coaching the morning announcement crew: “Great job! Next week: add your own spin.”Clipboard in hand, she’s visited every classroom multiple times in the first two weeks, leaving strategies and encouragement for teachers.In math class: “‘Overdrawn’ isn’t just a vocabulary word. It’s a life skill we want you to know before adulthood.”
Art class pit stop: listening to students, taking notes, and making sure they have what they need.Passing period: all hands on deck. Ms. Gist’s zone? Everywhere.
Heading to the principal’s office: turning a tough day for a student into a fresh start.
Quick inbox check, then right back into classrooms.
A stop in for a late pass after a dentist visit turns into a chat about a shared passion: soccer.
Admiring student artwork and hearing about their creative process.
Daily check-in with the special education team to ensure they have the support they need.
Between classes: Mr. Ziolkowski shares how health class went. “Communication and collaboration are key!” says Ms. Gist.
In science: students show off bridges built from string and notebooks.
Planning ahead: reviewing lesson plans with Ms. Smith. “Elevating excellence is our district’s theme this year, and we’re all pulling together to make it happen,” says Ms. Gist.Counseling a student on his way to class: “Making middle schoolers feel seen is the most important part of my day.”When asked if she’s taking notes on students or teachers, she smiles: “Both!”In the Counseling Canyon, comparing perspectives and ideas is key because keeping students at the center is what matters most.

From the first cheerful greeting at the gate to the last classroom visit, Ms. Gist’s day is a whirlwind of connection, coaching, and care. Whether she’s answering student questions (yes, even about baby cows), offering feedback to teachers, or pausing to appreciate student creativity, every move is grounded in her mission: to make ECMS a place where students and staff can thrive. She’s not just leading the school; she’s moving it forward, turquoise clipboard in hand.