Joe Sample is returning to his roots. The Garnett native is the new assistant principal at Iola High School.
Sample is taking the place of Stacey Fager, who moved from assistant to head principal at IHS.
Sample grew up the son of a teacher and said he knew it was his calling. He attended Baker University for his undergraduate and graduate work in education. Growing up, he had opportunities to dip his proverbial toes in the teaching waters through a passion of his, sports.
“My dad coached when I was a kid,” Sample said. “I had a chance to help at his camps to get kids to the next level of development. I really enjoyed it so I thought it might be something I was interested in doing later on.”
After college Sample began teaching seventh grade history in the Gardner. Helping students to understand their heritage as Kansans is something that Sample looks back on with pride.
“One of my favorite subjects in history is Kansas history,” Sample said. “It isn’t a widely researched topic outside of the state so it’s a lot of fun to get into it more. There have been a lot of people from this state that have influenced things in a lot of different ways. We have an interesting history that kids should be proud of.”
While teaching was something that he enjoyed, administration is something that he was curious about.
“The thing about administration is you get to work with so many more students,” Sample said. “I am also fascinated by a lot of the psychology of education classes I took and really looking at how I can make a much bigger on students.”
As assistant principal, Sample will take on the primary duty of student discipline. Sample sees his role as helping to build up students.
“I really want to work with these kids to build their self-discipline. Once they have a better appreciation for what they can accomplish if they stay focused then they’ll feel good about their achievements here. Holding them responsible for their actions is something that I think will help them with that. Treat them well and they’ll act well.”
Since coming back to the area, Sample’s perspective is one of continuity.
“Not a lot has changed in this area since I’ve been gone,” Sample said. “Iola and Garnett are two great communities that have a lot going for them. Iola’s downtown continues to stay alive and vibrant. I’m constantly impressed by that fact. When we lived in Gardner, we had to go to Olathe in order to do anything. In Garnett there’s plenty to do and it’s just a great place to raise a family.”
Another benefit for he and his wife Ashley, are having Sample’s parents nearby. With son Henry, 2, and twins George and Lucy, 7-months, having that familial support has been crucial as his family made the transition back to Garnett over the summer.
“They’ve been a huge help to us,” Sample said. “I know they enjoy being with the kids to so it’s really worked out well for us.”
