Mrs. McNeal

As the new school year begins, I would like to introduce myself and tell you a little about me personally and professionally. My name is Brenda McNeal. I was born and raised here in San Juan County and come from a farming family where I had 3 older brothers, a mom who was a teacher and my dad who was the hardest worked I have ever known. Education was a priority in my family as my mom was a teacher and my dad, though he never graduated, was a self- taught man.

I have been with the Aztec Municipal School District for the last 7 years as an assistant principal at Aztec High School. For a brief time, I served as interim principal at Aztec High School and was then asked to accept the job as the principal of Koogler Middle School. Prior to my time at AHS, I was a teacher for the Farmington Municipal School District for a period of 24 years. I feel that my experience will be beneficial and worthwhile as I assume the role of principal at Koogler Middle School. I hope to continue a tradition of excellence for the school.

I have been married for 47 years to my husband, Ron and have three grown sons. I proudly have 5grandchildren that have all attended school here in Aztec. I love to garden, play golf, read a good book, hang out with family and friends and see students succeed. I have been blessed to have had a solid family background to support my endeavors throughout the years.

My goal for all students is to prepare them for the future and to make sure that they realize how important they are in creating a better and brighter future. Realizing that these young people have experienced much hardship these last few years, it is important that are aware that they can become more resilient and responsible young adults with our help and support. Education is a very special privilege and a gift that students must learn to value and appreciate.

Beginning a transition to middle school is going to be a challenge that I am willing to undertake with the help from community and parents. One of the first items I would like to address is teaching the young people that respect for each other, for their teachers and for the school is a top priority. That respect must come in the form of communication that allows a student to disagree without being disrespectful and that communicating within the school setting with appropriate dialogue is an expectation. Educators, in turn, will respect students and their communication with students will be an example for them to follow. My belief is that once this is established, the ability for better classroom management and classroom teaching will improve. My hope is that teachers, parents and community will support this first and very important initiative.

Future endeavors will stem from what is needed to make sure that students have the best education they can possibly obtain and prepare them for the high school setting. We MUST provide our students the necessary skills for them to be successful at the high school level and successful adults. This is NOT an option. There is not a more important job, in my estimation, than teaching and reaching our most important assets – our children.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as principal of Koogler Middle School!

Mrs. Arrington is entering he fourth year as assistant principal at Koogler and her 26th year in education. As assistant principal she supervises: the Math, Science, and Electives departments, discipline, attendance, lockers, and keys. 

She was born and raised in Farmington, New Mexico. She graduated from Farmington High School.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University, and earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Walden University.

She is K-8 licensed, K-12 Administrator licensed, and TESOL endorsed. Mrs. Arrington has been a Middle school teacher in the Farmington School district for 22 years. She taught Math for 6 years and Science for 16 years and coached several sports: volleyball, basketball, track, and softball.  In addition she has served in several Leadership roles in my career.

Mrs. Arrington is married and has 2 fur children. She loves to be with her family and dogs and enjoys traveling, fishing, listening to live music, playing and watching sports. 

Philosophy: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela. You are in charge of your own learning, be the captain of your education and steer oneself in the right direction.

Motto: Wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen. Life is better when you’re laughing.

Koogler Middle School   505-334-6102

Principal

Mrs. McNeal

kmmcnebr@aztecschools.com

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Arrington  kmarissa@aztecschools.com