NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Lisa Gatz-Daniel starts each day with the same message to her 830 students at Hines Middle School in Newport News: “I love every one of you. Let's make it a great day."
That daily reminder reflects the "heart-first" philosophy that has transformed the school during Gatz-Daniel's nine years as principal.
Her approach prioritizes relationships and community before academic metrics, and the results, she said, speak for themselves.
"I came up with 'Hines is where the heart is.' It needs to be heart first, relationships, connections, community, family, and then from that we can get the scores, and [the] growth that we need," Gatz-Daniel said.
Under her leadership, the school has expanded its support staff to include a therapist and student support specialist, ensuring students receive the help they need. Gatz-Daniel said it’s part of the school’s wraparound approach. The investment in student wellbeing has paid dividends across multiple areas.
Disciplinary issues have dropped dramatically. The school has only eight students with six or more infractions, compared to 50 students last year.
"Our chronic absenteeism is 40% better this year than it was last year at the same exact time. So, students are coming to school, they feel supported, they feel loved," Gatz-Daniel said.
Beyond academics, Hines Middle School serves as a community hub. The school feeds students and families and organizes events like petting zoos and community fairs, strengthening bonds between the school and neighborhood.
Gatz-Daniel's dedication hasn't gone unnoticed, especially among her administrative staff. Michelle Campbell, the school's family and engagement specialist, nominated her for recognition.
Her nomination read in part,
"I want to honor Mrs. Gatz for National Principal's month because she honestly deserves some recognition. We are a school that has had our share of challenges in every area imaginable, but that has never been an excuse for Mrs. Gatz to slow down or throw in the towel. I have seen her stand strong and motivate the staff and do all she can to try to meet and exceed expectations regardless of the difficulty. She requires a lot, but because she works side by side with her admin team, teachers, staff, students, and family, it is (for me) a joy and honor to work alongside her. It has been my experience that Mrs. Gatz is a walking example of what it takes to be a principal in 2025; she's aware of the pros and cons we face, but she pulls energy from somewhere to make sure Hines is a place people/students want to be! She tells the students and staff every single day that she loves us over the intercom, and she always says she's The Proud Principal of Hines Middle School and I know that she means every word she says. Love is an action, and when the action is pure, people will feel that respect it and do whatever we can to help support the vision Mrs. Gatz has for our school."
"I don't think she gets the recognition that she deserves. It's not easy work, but I admire her tenacity. I admire her dedication to the staff and the students here," Campbell said.
When surprised with the everyday hero award, Gatz-Daniel was quick to share credit with her team of 100 staff members.
"It's not my work. It is the whole entire school's work. We pour into our students, and then as administration, we pour into our staff," Gatz-Daniel said.
Southern Bank presented Gatz-Daniel with $300 as part of the recognition. True to form, she plans to spend the money on her students and teachers.
"Money is always a good thing in education, we are always looking to buy things for our students and our staff, and it is always the hardest thing to come by," Gatz-Daniel said.
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