by Jaxson Polin (6th)
Who is Mr. Lashley?
The man, the myth, the legend—Mr. Lashley is our brand-new assistant principal. Since his arrival, he has already built strong relationships with the sixth graders, helping with lunch and breakfast routines. Unfortunately for the seventh and eighth graders, they haven’t had the same chance to get to know him yet.
Do you like it here at CMS?
“Yes, I love it here,” Mr. Lashley said proudly. He described CMS as an inclusive and welcoming environment. One of his favorite aspects of the school is its spacious layout, which he humorously compared to a "new car smell" experience.
How do you feel about your coworkers and students?
Mr. Lashley expressed deep appreciation for his coworkers, stating, “I love working with my coworkers because they made me feel welcome and answered my questions quickly.” His students also contribute to his positive experience, as they occasionally stop by his office to visit, helping him feel connected. “I love working with my students,” he shared, adding that teaching both students and teachers is one of the reasons he chose this job.
Do you like the district?
Although he hasn’t explored the entire district yet, Mr. Lashley is impressed by what he’s seen. “The district is amazing, and the other principals are amazing too,” he said. In fact, he wishes he’d joined the district sooner, calling it his favorite among all the districts he’s worked in.
Is this your first job?
No, this is actually Mr. Lashley’s fifth job in education. “I was a high school music teacher, worked at Upper Darby, and was in charge of all art, music, and theater for a charter school,” he explained. But despite his rich career history, he enthusiastically declared this role as his favorite.
How many jobs have you had before this?
“I’ve had four jobs before this,” Mr. Lashley confirmed. He appreciated all of them but emphasized that this one stands out as the best so far.
What degrees do you have?
“I have one bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and I’m working on my doctoral degree,” Mr. Lashley said. Soon, he will earn the title of Dr. Lashley—a testament to his hard work and dedication.
What college(s) did you graduate from?
Mr. Lashley graduated from The Lincoln University with his bachelor’s degree and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree at Saint Joseph’s University.
How long did you attend these colleges?
“I spent four years at Lincoln for my bachelor’s degree, two years for my master’s degrees, and I’m almost finished with my first year of my doctoral program,” he shared.
And that is Mr. Lashley!
Now you know more about Mr. Lashley, the hardworking assistant principal who has already made a big impression at CMS. To the seventh and eighth graders—you may have missed out so far, but hopefully, you’ll get the chance to experience what makes Mr. Lashley such a great addition to our school.
Extras
A big thank-you to Mr. Lashley for taking the time to speak with us despite his busy schedule. Special thanks as well to Seamus Boyle for assisting with note-taking during the interview.