Prairie Branch Principal Heather Gross Named "New Exemplary Principal" in KC Area

A few students shared something special about Mrs. Gross.

Heather Gross, principal at Prairie Branch Elementary School, has been named the New Exemplary Principal by the Kansas City Suburban Elementary Principals Association (KCSEPA). The organization selected Mrs. Gross from among area administrators who are in their second or third year as principal.  In selecting an honoree, KCSEPA looks for an administrator who meets their rigorous criteria, including exemplary performance as a new principal.

Prairie Branch students waiting for Mrs. Gross to enter the gym.

Mrs. Gross pictured with husband Kirk and oldest child Gavin.

Mrs. Gross was presented with flowers and balloons at a surprise all-school assembly Monday morning including the school's 536 students, plus faculty and other school and district administrators.  Mrs. Gross' husband, Kirk, and the oldest of their four children, Gavin, were also in the audience.

A few students spoke about what having Mrs. Gross as their principal means to them.  A video highlighting Mrs. Gross' qualities as a servant leader, wife, and mother was also shared.

Mrs. Gross had the last word.  "I feel so incredibly blessed to work with such amazing teachers who care so much about you (students).  That makes my job easy.  I love to come to work every day.  This is a group honor because I have such a great staff, leaders, colleagues I get to learn with, and I have really great students who make this school rock!  I also appreciate my supportive family."

Mrs. Gross and 11 other new principals will be recognized at the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) Spring Leadership Conference in March.