Sixteen years in education, including eight in an administrative capacity, have taught Matt Van Voorst some lessons. He will be applying those lessons locally as the new Principal at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Middle School.
“My goal is to help create a school atmosphere that is welcoming and where everyone feels safe and supported,” said the 43-year-old Van Voorst, whose official start date was July 1. “I have always felt like I am a pretty good team player,” he remarked. “Being a leader to me is influencing others. How can I help others reach their full potential? I get excited when other people improve and succeed at a goal. I also see myself as a lifelong learner with a growth mindset. I am always trying to get better and feel that is important for everyone on our team.”
The new Principal comes to HMS following three years at West Sioux. “I was fortunate to work with some great people at West Sioux as their dean of students for grades 6-12,” said Van Voorst. “Things that I know are important as an administrator are helping build upon the culture and positive climate of our building for our students and staff. I have been an effective supporter of that in my past experiences. As the new Principal, I realize I am now the leader in that effort. I will work hard to build relationships and trust with students, staff, parents, and community members. When a great culture is established with a shared vision, it lends itself to great things happening instructionally and witnessing student successes in all areas of school.”
Van Voorst has taught at several locations and at various grade levels, including 6th grade at Rock Valley from 2012 to 2014. For the five years prior to that he was Middle School Assistant Principal at Corona Fundamental and El Cerrito Middle Schools in California.
The new Principal’s roots are in northwest Iowa. “I grew up on a dairy farm in Sioux Center and graduated from Sioux Center High School,” shared Van Voorst. From there he went on to earn his B.S. in Elementary Education from Wayne State College in Nebraska and his MAE, Educational Leadership from California’s Chapman University. Van Voorst expects to complete his Ed.S., Superintendent Licensure from Drake University this coming May.
The Principal cited a couple of things that attracted him to the opening at HMS. “This is a great community,” said Van Voorst, who also noted that, “The size and new facility offers great opportunities to make an impact on all middle school students and staff members.” His early impressions of the school district have been favorable. “The district cares,” he said. “Every person I have met has been excited about what is happening to help all students succeed. Employees of the district feel supported in their work and their desire to improve.”
Van Voorst and his wife, Christina, currently live in Rock Valley with their three daughters. Cora is in her second year at UNI. Ranae is a senior at Rock Valley. Adrie is a 6th grader at Rock Valley. Christina teaches 1st grade, also at Rock Valley. Van Voorst said the plan is to move into the HMS district in the next year. He admitted that attending school activities takes up most of their time during the school year but listed some leisure-time favorites. “We enjoy spending time with our family and friends,” said Van Voorst. “Boating in the summer is a favorite of ours. I played college basketball at Wayne State and I enjoy supporting former teammates and coaches.”
There has been less of that leisure time recently as the new Principal has been immersing himself in his new setting. “I have been doing a lot of listening and learning,” noted Van Voorst. “There is a lot of pride in the HMS school district. Gaining feedback from people around the district has been very helpful in getting to know how I can contribute to moving our Middle School students forward.
That new setting includes a modern Middle School building, the configuration of which is new to Van Voorst as well. “The layout of the Middle School is unique compared to my past experiences,” he revealed. “This is another area that drew me to the position. The district is passionate about working through professional learning communities. Teachers have a chance to collaborate and work together to provide opportunities for all students to master grade level standards. I am excited to see how we can work together to maximize the use of our modernized Middle School and provide opportunities for students to collaborate and learn in creative ways.”
Van Voorst is all about striving to improve but is going to resist playing the comparison game when it comes to HMS Middle School. “My competitive nature makes me say I want us to be the best,” he admitted. “It’s hard not to compare your school to others. However, I have found it’s more effective to focus on improving and becoming your best self. Ultimately, I would love nothing more than for all of our students to be excited about coming to school every day.”
Part of the Principal’s expectations in regard to the Middle School are simple. “We will work hard, but we will have fun.” said Van Voorst. He expanded upon that by saying, “I aspire to be an instructional leader so our students are receiving the best instruction and are given opportunities to reach their full potential. HMS Middle School will continue to be a place where people want to work and students want to attend.”