Meet your Chisholm administrators

Principal, Tiffany Stephey

USD 373 announces the hire of Tiffany Stephey as head principal for Chisholm Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year.

Stephey has worked for Newton Public Schools since 2017, first as a teacher, then as principal of Northridge Elementary, and most recently as an assistant principal at Newton High School.

“I am so excited to continue working in the district at Chisholm Middle School. I started my administrative experience at the elementary level and the past three years have been at the high school level. I look forward to working with students and staff at the middle school level, which I truly believe is one of the most crucial stages for kids. I want to continue all the wonderful things going on at Chisholm and am eager to get to know and build relationships with the staff and students,” Stephey said.

Stephey’s work in education goes back to 2002.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and History from Wichita State University and a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Baker University.

“I have loved my past three years at Newton High School. While the decision was a difficult one, ultimately, I feel I have so much to offer at the middle school level as a building leader. I will miss seeing the staff, teachers, my students (and my daughter) daily here at the high school, they are all so wonderful to be around and made my job so enjoyable. I am really looking forward to expanding and creating more relationships as I transition to my new role,” Stephey said.

Assistant Principal, Petrina Griffitts

USD 373 announces the hire of Petrina Griffitts as Assistant Principal of Chisholm Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms. Griffitts as she joins the Chisholm Middle School staff as Assistant Principal. Ms. Griffitts has a strong dedication and passion for working with students and staff at the middle school level, and will undoubtedly bring her invaluable skills and experience to our building and district,” Chisholm principal, Tiffany Stephey shared.

Griffitts comes to Newton from Wichita USD 259. From being a paraprofessional to teaching 5th grade and then onto 7th grade and working as an administrative intern, Griffitts has worked in a school setting for the past 16 years.

Griffitts has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Southwestern College and two Masters Degrees, one in Special Education from Fort Hays State University and one in School Leadership  from Baker University.

“I am thrilled about this new administrative opportunity in a different community for several reasons. Firstly, I am eager to bring my expertise and experience to a new environment where I can make a positive impact and contribute to the growth and development of students and staff. Additionally, I am looking forward to collaborating with a new team of educators and administrators, learning from their perspectives, and collectively working towards achieving academic excellence. Overall, I am excited about the prospect of embarking on this new journey, embracing fresh challenges, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those at Chisholm Middle School,” Griffitts said.