HIGHTSTOWN: High school principal set to retire

After a 42-year career in education, Alix Arvizu plans to retire at the beginning of July.

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — After a 42-year career in education, Alix Arvizu plans to retire at the beginning of July.
   Ms. Arvizu has been an employee of the East Windsor Regional School District for seven years and currently serves as the Hightstown High School principal.
   ”I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work in the East Windsor Regional School District,” Ms. Arvizu, of Piscataway, said.
   The Board of Education appointed Dennis Vinson to replace Ms. Arvizu at its June 24 meeting, according to Superintendent of Schools Edward Forsthoffer.
   During her career, Ms. Arvizu was an assistant principal for seven years in Piscataway, serving one year at the T. Schor Middle School and six years at Piscataway High School.
   ”I have taught Spanish and French at both the high school and the middle school levels in New Hampshire and New Jersey,” Ms. Arvizu added.
   Since the time she was 10 years old she knew she wanted to be a teacher.
   ”I have always loved working with people and I find it rewarding to watch students of all ages come to understand a concept or a topic through the magic that teachers can weave in the classroom,” Ms. Arvizu said.
   Her inspiration came from a freshman class in high school.
   ”My inspiration for becoming a Spanish and French teacher came from my freshman French teacher, Ms. Franklin, a dynamic young woman with a true passion for teaching foreign languages,” Ms. Arvizu said.
   For Ms. Arvizu, the highlight of being an educator has been “watching students problem-solve and create.”
   ”Students are amazing when they are fully engaged in the learning process,” Ms. Arvizu said. “Even as a principal I sought ways to work with students in that capacity.”
   Hightstown High School is a really nice place to be a student, Ms. Arvizu said.
   ”Every possible educational experience is available for anyone who wants to participate,” she said. “In addition, the athletic program is extensive and there is a club for every student interest.”
   Superintendent Forsthoffer acknowledged how the high school has changed under her leadership over the years.
   ”During her tenure, the high school schedule was changed to offer a greater variety of course offerings for students so that they are able to get their primary selections,” Superintendent Forsthoffer said. “The high school has added more advanced placement courses and they are now offering classes that are eligible for college credit.”
   Ms. Arvizu said she will miss the people who “make my work so worthwhile.”
   The first thing she is looking forward to after retirement is catching up on some much-needed sleep.
   ”The long hours involved in this job as well as the 70-mile roundtrip commute are exhausting,” Ms. Arvizu said. “No more getting up at 4 a.m. unless I have a plane to catch.”
   Ms. Arvizu also looks forward to traveling and having the time to pursue another passion.
   ”I would like to pursue my second passion and work with dogs in a rescue center,” Ms. Arvizu added.
   As for her legacy at the high school, she said, “I feel that I brought a sense of consistency, fairness, discipline and improved academic performance to Hightstown High School.”
   Superintendent Forsthoffer said, “Ms. Arvizu has certainly left her mark on the school and the students have benefited from her leadership.”