Principal Tamala M. W. Newsome is known as a developer of talent at John Ball Elementary School in Portland. As the head of a Title I school with a diverse student population, Mrs. Newsome has helped students improve their academic success by forging partnerships with parents, the community recreation center, local childcare centers and universities. Through such partnerships, she has secured tutoring services to meet her students' individual learning needs and began an intensive parent and community involvement program. She also helped create the school's Literacy Center that has become the heart of the school. Under her leadership, students have made significant academic gains and within three years Ball Elementary went from a satisfactory to a strong school. Educators from other schools frequently visit John Ball Elementary to learn more about its programs and activities for advancing student achievement.
