AMBOY – When you see Jessica Meusel in the halls of Amboy Central Elementary School, she’s moving fast as she’s going to her next duty as the principal.

But with each mission, the first-year principal had a smile on her face because she enjoyed every adventure during the 2023-24 school year.

“It was an incredible year. I feel extremely lucky to have been hired for this position. The staff and the students are amazing,” said Meusel. “I have a very dedicated teaching staff that is always willing to go the extra mile for our students. Our students are very well-behaved, hard-working kids. It’s a really fun place to be.

“You can’t be in an elementary building and find yourself being unhappy because the kids are constantly smiling. They’re showing their unique personalities and they’re always quick to ask for a hug or a high-five.”

Meusel may have been a first-year principal, but she is far from a novice educator.

After growing up in Franklin Grove and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she taught sixth grade at AFC Middle School, was a third-grade teacher at Dixon public schools for 15 years, stepped into a Sterling fourth-grade classroom every day for one school year, and was the assistant principal at Dixon High School for the last three years before being hired at Central.

Meusel appreciates her time at Dixon High School as she learned a lot and improved her craft, but she realized elementary was where she wanted to be.

And Amboy seemed to be the perfect place.

“Growing up in Franklin Grove, I was familiar with Amboy. The community of Amboy is super supportive of their schools. That has been a real benefit,” Meusel said. “Everyone has been super welcoming and helpful through this whole transition. Joyce Schamberger (began her career at Amboy schools in 1984 before retiring before the 2023-24 school year) was here for a long time and she laid a very strong foundation. She has been very supportive through the year. I’m able to call her and she’s eager to help.

“My husband, Mike, is a farmer and both of my kids (9 and 8 years old) go to school here. Being closer to home was a benefit and as a parent I’ve always been impressed with Central School, the staff, and everything they were doing.”

Stepping into the principal role may have been a challenge.

However, it was a welcomed challenge Meusel has enjoyed since she received the job.

“I really enjoyed the transition from each position. From teacher to assistant principal to principal. It’s been a gradual progression of leadership,” Meusel said. “I always consider myself a teacher first because everyone who works in a school is a teacher in some capacity. I enjoy the opportunity to support our staff and to help us continuously raise the bar to improve for our students so we can provide the very best learning opportunities for our kids.”

Part of the best learning technique includes…fun.

Central, Meusel, and the staff made sure the 2023-24 school year was as fun as the previous school calendars as they spread out enjoyable learning experiences.

Including the four events planned by the Family Engagement Committee, which were the Scholastic Book Fair, Grinch Family Movie Night (the gym was packed), Bingo Night, and Family Literacy Night.

And we can’t forget Wonka Week, Track and Field Day, and awards and recognitions given to the students for their hard work.

“Year 1, I really focused on immersing myself in the school culture, learning about the systems we have in place, and our areas of strength and our areas of improvement,” Meusel said. “I really wanted to establish strong relationships with our students and families. I think there are always more connections I can build. I’ll continually work to build my rapport with the community, but I think it takes time.

“I feel like it was a great year. I was super impressed with everyone on our team. I’m glad to be part of it. I wouldn’t do anything differently with this school year.”