Hello Ram Fam,
My name is Josh Griffith, and I am incredibly honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Southeast Polk Middle School. I couldn’t be more excited to join this outstanding community and begin building strong relationships with our students, families, and staff.
A little about me: I come from a long line of educators, one of whom taught in a one-room schoolhouse, and another who served right here in Southeast Polk. Education is truly a family calling, and I’m passionate about creating school environments that empower every student to thrive. My personal mission is to unleash the full potential of every learner and I will not stop until we have created a school system that has achieved just this.
What I Believe
I believe schools are the heart of a community and the strength of our school will come from the connections we build together. Whether you’re a student, parent, staff member, or community partner, your voice matters, and your support makes a difference.
One quote I live by comes from Michael Jordan: “I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying.” I believe in effort, creativity, and collaboration and I’m committed to supporting a culture where everyone is encouraged to grow, take risks, and support one another.
Our Purpose
At Southeast Polk Middle School, we’re focused on helping students become not just great learners, but great people. That means fostering critical thinking, creativity, communication, and leadership skills that will serve them long after they leave our halls.
The Leader in Me program and its 7 Habits are a guiding framework we’ll continue to use to help students develop strong character and leadership skills:
- Be Proactive
- Begin with the End in Mind
- Put First Things First
- Think Win-Win
- Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
- Synergize
- Sharpen the Saw
- Find Your Voice
By practicing these habits together, we’ll grow a school culture where students feel valued, safe, and inspired.
Let’s make it a fantastic year together.
Go Rams!
Josh Griffith
Principal, Southeast Polk Middle School
