Like father, like daughter

New Smith Clove principal follows father’s exact footsteps By Nancy Kriz CENTRAL VALLEY — Almost 40 years ago, Ralph Kerley opened the doors of Smith Clove Elementary School as its first principal. With all the work that goes into running a new school, Kerley probably never envisioned that almost 40 years later, his daughter Debra Turnquist would be taking over the helm as the school’s newest principal. Educators, like parents everywhere, may knowingly or unknowingly influence their children to follow in their footsteps. And, these are quite precise footsteps. “He would be very proud,” Turnquist admitted. “It was my parents who gave me the love of learning. I do feel like coming back here honors my parents. But when I applied here, I made sure there was no known connection. I wanted to stand on my own merit.” Turnquist, previously assistant principal at Smith Clove, assumed her new position after the retirement of long-time principal Gale Katenkamp. Karin Morales, who was previously a reading specialist and classroom teacher in the North Rockland Central School District in Rockland County, is the new assistant principal. Originally, the building on Smith Clove Road was originally known as Central Valley Elementary School. Over the years, new schools were built and building names changed. Today, over 650 kindergarteners and first graders are students, and Smith Clove is the district’s largest K-1 center. “It was an absolute thrill for me,” said Turnquist of her appointment. “This is a perfect position. I give so much credit to Gale and what she established here for 39 years. I feel extremely lucky to be taking over here. I have big shoes to fill. We have a similar philosophy but we are different people.” Prior to joining the Monroe-Woodbury School District, Turnquist worked for 28 years in the Jamestown City School District in upstate New York, as a teacher and assistant principal. She and her husband returned to the area a year ago to be closer to family. Turnquist, who attended Monroe-Woodbury schools from kindergarten through grade 12, sees her role as “the one who sets the tone and steers the ship. That person has to make the ship really sail.” But that can’t happen without a solid team, Turnquist stressed. “The staff of Smith Clove are 100 percent dedicated and nurturing,” she said. “I can ask them to do anything and they will do it. I can’t stop saying enough good things about them. They have the passion for doing their jobs.” Turnquist felt it was important to note the collaborative efforts taken with Charlene Kelemen, principal of Smith Clove’s sister school, Sapphire Elementary in Harriman, because parents of students at both schools often talk about what’s going on in each school. “She’s brilliant and she adds that humorous touch,” Turnquist said of Kelemen. “We talk on the phone every day. We want to have consistent programming and consistency in what we’re teaching. It’s all Monroe-Woodbury.” Turnquist knows parents of the younger students have special concerns. “Parents can be very nervous when they bring us ‘their baby,’ especially their first baby,” she said. “We will take care of them, nurture them and teach them. We want them to grow to be happy and successful students. We want to set the stage for future learning. This is the community’s school. I want them to know about the passion I have…we have..for education and to know what a great school district they have here.” She encouraged parents to be active in their children’s education and reminded parents that the school will keep them involved. “Parents need to feel comfortable,” said Turnquist. “We don’t do that just with the children but with parents and families too. They can call on me or call upon me. We’re in this together for the benefit of the children.”