by Geoff Fox
After 34 years in education Jennifer Ruppenthal will retire at the end of June, ending her career as principal at Hancock Middle-Senior High School. She came to the Hancock post in July 2022.
Current Maugansville Elementary Principal Andrew Kaetzel was approved at the February 17 WCPS Board of Education meeting to become the next principal at Hancock Middle Senior High School effective July 1.
In a February 18 letter to families and staff, Ruppenthal announced her retirement at the end of the school years with a mix of pride and heavy-heartedness.
“Coming home is a rare gift,” she said in the letter. “When I first stepped into the role of Principal at Hancock Middle Senior High School, it wasn’t just a career milestone – it was a homecoming.”
Ruppenthal added serving the community that shaped her has been the greatest honor of her professional life.
Since arriving at Hancock, Ruppenthal said she realized how much the school has accomplished.
Ruppenthal notes the academic excellence as Hancock Middle-Senior High School moved from a 3-STAR to a 4-STAR rating in the Maryland Report Card system; Positive Learning Environment where, through the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, the school has created a welcoming and safe environment where school spirit is vibrant and mutual respect is the standard; Facility Updates from upgrades to the media center and band room to fresh paint in the gyms and cafeteria, new lighting in the hallways, the physical space better reflects the pride taken in the school; and Strategic Growth as the school has expanded academic programs and the support systems for students with a full-time assistant principal and part-time athletic director, adding agriculture and JROTC programs, a career coach and community schools manager, and increased the special education and math staffing to better serve every learner.
“I am most proud of the fact that Hancock Middle Senior High School is firmly positioned to continue to excel in the future,” Ruppenthal said. “The foundation we have built as a learning community is solid, and our momentum is strong.”
Ruppenthal said after 34 years in education, the decision to retire wasn’t made overnight, as she always said she wanted to leave Hancock Middle Senior High School firmly positioned for long-term excellence.
“The students and staff are incredible, and together we are proud of many accomplishments,” she said.
In 2022, Ruppenthal set sights on high-level growth and say with 110% certainty, “we surpassed those goals.”
The jump from 3-STAR to 4-STAR rating on the Maryland Report Card is the achievement Ruppenthal said she is most proud of as it is a testament of the school’s focus on rigorous instruction and improved attendance.
Beyond the data, though, Ruppenthal said the school also hit the goals of updating some key areas of the school and expanding elective and program opportunities for students.
“Every decision was made by doing what was best for students,” she said. “Every student, every day, has a consistent and safe environment where they can thrive.”
Ruppenthal said she’ll be carrying “many amazing memories” with her like watching the energy shift in the building through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support implementation, which has been “incredible.”
However, the relationships she’s developed with everyone are what will stick with her after she retires.
“From being one of the first people to meet and greet students in the morning to seeing our staff work together during opportunities presented reminds me every day that we truly are Better Together,” she said.
Watching students develop and transition from middle school to high school to crossing the stage receiving their diplomas has been the greatest reward of Ruppenthal’s homecoming to Hancock.
As she heads into retirement, Ruppenthal said to remind students they are amazing and “never forget how special learning and growing in our community feels,” that the staff’s dedication is extraordinary and she’s honored she could be a support, and thanked the community for trusting her with their children and “welcoming me back home.”
She may be stepping away at the end of the year, but Ruppenthal said a piece of her heart will always remain at Hancock Middle Senior High School.
“While I may be retiring from this office, I will always be a Panther,” she said. “The momentum we’ve built is unstoppable, and I can’t wait to see the heights HMSHS reaches next.”
Ruppenthal said Kaetzel would be around the school “from time to time” this spring preparing to take the lead on July 1.
