A Look Back at a Milestone Year

For Ms. Ashley Digby, the assistant principal at Daisy Bates Academy of Social Justice, walking into her school building feels like walking into a happy home. Since 2012, she has served the Bates community as a classroom teacher, an MTSS Interventionist, and an Instructional Coach, and proudly took on the role of assistant principal at the start of the 2024-25 school year.  

“From my first encounter with the people in the front office, to seeing all the beautiful student artwork on the walls, I knew that a school would be the best place for me regardless of what role I played,” says AP Digby. 

As a new assistant principal, some of her goals this school year have included working with Bates’Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) on curriculum and instruction to improve student outcomes, and providing students with the opportunity to find joy in their learning. Whether it’s a school celebration or a fun academic initiative, the team at Bates looks forward to finding ways to make their students excited to come to school every day and put a smile on their faces, which, to AP Digby, is the most rewarding part of the job. 

She describes her first year in school leadership as a balancing act. While challenging, she has found that figuring out what works best for her day-to-day and efficiently communicating with her team is what has helped her find her footing. She also credits the CPS Department of Principal Quality (DPQ) with lending a helping hand during her first year in school leadership. 

“DPQ offers many programs and learning opportunities for school leaders,” says AP Digby. “Through their New AP trainings, I was connected to a mentor principal who has given me tools that will allow me to make an impact on my school community. The program has also given me the chance to learn from and be supported by other school leaders.” 

AP Digby encourages new APs to take advantage of every opportunity for growth, regardless of how big or small they think the impact will be. She believes that taking a leap of faith and trusting that any experience is a learning lesson that will help her and others become better leaders. 

This AP Appreciation Week, she would like to remind her colleagues of their impact, and of their importance in their respective school communities. 

“APs, you rock!” says AP Digby. “You are the heart of your schools, and your faculty, students, and principals truly appreciate you because you make sure things get done. And if no one has said it yet, please know that I appreciate you!”