Seeliger Elementary School welcomes new principal

The flag above her door says Pirate Princess, but students will come to know her better as principal.

The banner was a gift in tribute to the school's marauding mascot to welcome Paula Zona as the new principal of Seeliger Elementary School.

Entering her sixth year as an administrator, Zona is confident in her ability to lead, but still feels the familiar back-to-school anxiety.

"There's always the first-day jitters," she said. "It's all healthy though. It's good nerves."

Zona, 39, comes to the Carson City School District from Meneley Elementary School in Gardnerville, where she served as principal for three years.

"I loved the kids, and the community is wonderful," she said. "I'm going to miss them a lot."

However, she wanted to join her husband, Jason Zona, principal of Pioneer High School, in Carson City so they could have corresponding days off.

"We didn't realize how much we missed being able to go home," she said.

It's been three years, she said, since the high school sweethearts have returned to visit their parents who still live on the same street in their hometown of El Paso, Texas.

After teaching three years in Texas, the couple moved to Las Vegas for four years.

"We wanted a smaller community to live in and to be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors," she said.

Since moving to Douglas County three years ago, they've been able to kayak, hike and mountain bike.

"It's been a godsend," she said. "We're very happy."

Although school has not yet started, she's met many staff members over the summer.

"They've been wonderful, popping in and introducing themselves," she said. "Getting to know them during this more informal time has been great."

She's met some students and parents through the parent-teacher association as well.

"The parents are wonderful," she said. "They're so supportive and kind."

The school failed to make adequate yearly progress this year under the federal No Child Left Behind guidelines, so it was placed on a watch list.

She said she will work with staff and students to help the school return to adequate status.

"I think I have to do a lot of listening at first," she said. "It's obviously a wonderful school so I don't want to come in and make a lot of changes."

For now, she's focusing on getting prepared before the hubbub of the first day of school.

"This is a fast week then the babes come in on (Monday)," she said.