RCS bids farewell to head of its ‘family’

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By Angie Hund | Manor Ink Mentor

Roscoe, NY – After over 20 years of dedication to Roscoe Central School, principal Janice Phillips is retiring this month. Manor Ink interviewed Phillips about her experience in the community, the hardships her administration has faced and memories she’s made throughout the years.

In college, Phillips began as a math major, but quickly switched her major to education and graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a teaching degree. Later, she earned her Certificate of Advanced Study: School Leadership from SUNY New Paltz. Phillips has always found herself passionate about working with her children. “I love to teach kids reading, writing and storytelling,” she said. “Those are my favorite things.”

In 2001, Phillips was hired as an academic intervention teacher, then taught first graders and eventually became a part of the administration at RCS.

Nearly a decade ago, Phillips took on the responsibility of principal. Explaining the intricacies of the job, she said, “It’s not a nine-to-five job – the investment of time is so important. You’re on call 24/7, and you have to be welcoming and ready to communicate. It becomes a 24/7 lifestyle.”

Throughout the years, Phillips has been more than just principal at RCS. Other roles included class advisor, first-grade teacher and ski club advisor. She nostalgic about community pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, class trips and graduations. “I’ll miss the connection of doing community-orientated things with our kids,” she said.

Her biggest challenges have been the ever changing curriculum and helping teachers get professional development. There are also other demands. “Things like keeping kids and families connected to the school, helping teachers figure out all the new technology associated with online learning,” she said. “All that was one of the most challenging parts of as an administrator during the COVID-19 years.”

Last October, Phillips talked with Manor Ink about the hardships RCS had to overcome from the district’s 2022-23 budget cut. Phillips has worked within the financial constraints, and with a strong staff alliance and essential parent support, RCS has persevered and continues to serve the community. According to Phillips, Roscoe is like a family. “I think there’s very much a family environment here where kids care about each other, and parents care about their kids.”

After retirement, Phillips plans to find other ways to get involved in the community and wants to travel to see her children. She describes herself as someone who “can’t sit still, not a sit-at-home type of person.”

Lastly, Phillips offers this advice for whoever takes her place. “Get to know the families, the parents and the students, and the staff. Take time to make personal connections with the people you work with. Once you have those personal connections, you can work through anything.”