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By Erika Anderson, Staff Writer

DECATUR-Calvin Watts, former assistant principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Atlanta, has been named principal of St. Peter Claver Regional School. His appointment will begin July 1. Current principal Queen Grady will remain on the faculty as director of curriculum. Judith Mucheck, superintendent of Catholic schools, said that the position of curriculum director is one that is "emerging in elementary schools." "They work on the technology plan, implementing technology in instruction and are involved with the teachers, assisting with their instructional strategy," she said. "The most important thing is that they take their marching orders from the principal, so that's why the position is different in every school." Grady said that she is "truly looking forward" to her new role. "What a blessed opportunity it is for me to be able to work directly with the students as well as with the faculty in the area of curriculum," she said. "I'm elated about working with Mr. Watts in the school community and about my new role as curriculum director at St. Peter Claver." Grady said she feels fortunate to be able to serve in the field of education. "God has continued to bless me as I have been in service to this school and the school community," she said. "God has blessed each one of us with our own individual strengths and talents . . . My calling is to be of service in the area of education and to be able to nurture and serve the educational needs of the children (God) has placed in my path. My new role in the school will avail an opportunity for me to be of even greater service by totally concentrating on curriculum." A product of a 12-year Catholic school education in his native Seattle, Watts, 33, earned a bachelor's degree in English, with a secondary education minor, from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Most recently, in 1999, Watts received his master of education degree in administration and supervision from the State University of West Georgia in Carrollton. His first position in the education field was as a middle school teacher in Seattle from 1992-94. In 1994, he served as a middle school teacher as well as football and soccer coach at Inman Middle School in Atlanta. From 1995-2000 he worked as a classroom teacher at Carrollton Junior High School, where he coached cross country, as well as high school junior varsity and varsity soccer. He was nominated for Teacher of the Year by the faculty during the 1999-2000 school year and was nominated by former students as Honor Teacher from 1998-2000. He was selected Region 5-AA Soccer Coach of the Year during the 1996-97 season. This is Watts' first year as assistant principal at Bethesda Elementary School in Lawrenceville, a role he began after serving for a year at IHM School. In a letter to the St. Peter Claver community, he said that he is accepting his new opportunity to lead the school with a "humble spirit," and that his main objective will be to maintain the strong academic and Gospel values already in place at the school. "During the past nine years my educational philosophy has been realized by my own efforts to hold the elementary and middle school learner to high moral, civic and academic standards," he wrote. "Accordingly, as an educational leader within the St. Peter Claver School community, my primary role will be to foster and reinforce the Catholic traditions and Gospel values, and to endeavor to uphold the teachings of Christ in every aspect of the school." He also reminded community members that he needs their assistance to fully carry out his duties as principal. "Please know that this task will not solely rest on my shoulders," he said. "As a stakeholder in the St. Peter Claver School community one should expect to share in the growth process by assisting with the development of a plan to cultivate Christian leadership for the church and for the global society, to pursue excellence in education, to encourage active service within the wider community and to promote a culture of continuous quality improvement." In a separate letter to St. Peter Claver parents, faculty and staff, Mucheck said that Watts is enthusiastic about his new role. "Mr. Watts has shared with me how much he is looking forward to meeting all of you and to rolling up his sleeves and getting to work for the children and families at St. Peter Claver," she said. A newlywed, Watts has been married to his wife, Robbye, for seven months. A "Meet the New Principal" night will be held in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, adjoining the school, on Thursday, Feb. 28, from 7-8:30 p.m. for members of the St. Peter Claver School community.