Administration

Ms. Sherry Stillman – Principal

Sherry Stillman is a dedicated educator whose career has encompassed over 30 years of servant leadership to students, teachers and staff. She began her career in Canada where she taught English and Home Economics in a rural K-12 school. She then moved to the US and taught middle school Reading and Home Ec. in Long Beach, California. She settled in Arizona when her parents retired and became “snowbirds” and taught all levels of high school English including AP classes. Her road to Administration started in 2005 and she has been a principal for the last 16 years in both Arizona and Texas.

 

Ms. Stillman has a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Alberta in Canada. A Master’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Sonoma and Graduate study in Education Leadership to complete her Principal’s certification.

 

Ms. Stillman has served as a High School Assistant Principal, a Middle School Principal, and a K-8 Principal, Pre-K-5 Principal. This gives her the unique perspective of knowing where kids are going and where they are coming from. She had the privilege of being the Principal of a turnaround School in 2008 and was able to nurture and grow the school from “failing” to “acceptable” in 3 years. In 2012, Sherry served as a Principal in a Paradise Valley at an elementary school that was ranked in the top 5% of the state for achievement.

 

Sherry is passionate that relationships with children are one of the most important things to make the difference in schools. She believes the quote “kids don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care” should be our motto as educators. We have to know them and love before we can teach them!

 

Ms. Stillman is thrilled to be starting a new chapter in her career at the Academy of Math and Science – South Mountain. She is anxious to start building a new school family with her teachers, staff, students and parents. She is also very excited to be returning home to Arizona where her two children and granddaughter live.

 

Mrs. Danielle Grandinetti – Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal Grandinetti is joining AMS after spending 11 years in education, 9 of them being in the classroom and 2 at the university level as an Academic Counselor. Mrs. Grandinetti earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. She also earned a Master of Educational Leadership: School Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and went back to earn her Principal Certification. She has taught mathematics at all middle and high school levels, everything from Pre-Algebra to Calculus, from 7th grade to 12th grade. She has taught Special Education classes, General Education, and Gifted Education. She has held many leadership positions along the way, including Mathematics Department Chair and written curriculum at the district level. She has created and facilitated Professional Developments for teachers that have led them to reach all students and improve upon their best practices. She thoroughly enjoys creating and building positive relationships with students to ensure they meet their fullest potential. She is very excited to be joining the AMS-South Mountain family and looks forward to working with each individual student and their families.

 

Mr. Ismael Jaquez – Dean of Students

Dean Jaquez will be joining AMS after spending the last ten and a half years in the Chicago Public School System. Mr. Jaquez graduated from DePaul University Business School in Chicago. He double majored in Marketing and Business Management. He brings with him a mix of high school and elementary school experience. His approach to discipline is rooted in restorative justice and restorative practices. His quest to support all students has led him to serve on multiple school/network leadership teams: Behavioral Health Team, Culture and Climate Team, Security Team Lead, Network Deans Team, Post-Secondary Team, Athletic Director and Sports Coach. He is looking forward to supporting all South Mountain students so they can enroll and graduate from the college of their dreams. Mr. Jaquez is a first-generation college graduate and proud son of Mexican immigrants.