“So good to meet you,” said yet another student.

Assistant principal Erin Pope said the campus has welcomed her warmly, and this level of enthusiasm and acceptance has been a unique experience.

“My favorite part is [that when] I’m introducing myself to a bunch of kids, they’re really happy to meet me,” Pope said.

After former assistant principal Eric Mapes submitted his resignation, the school posted the position online, receiving about 27 responses. After two rounds of interviews, a background check, and calls with her former employers, the school offered Pope a position, and she accepted, principal Adam Littlefield said.

Coming from an administrative background, Pope said she worked as the Acalanes High School assistant principal for the past two years. The year before that, she got her start in administration working at Campolindo High School, with 15 years of teaching under her belt. She taught everything from social studies to classes for beginning teachers.

Pope said, “I just want people to know that I have a varied experience.”

Assistant principal Irma Muñoz said that after acting as the main disciplinary figure in Mapes’ absence, she has transitioned over to counselling, and Pope has taken over disciplinary responsibilities. Despite their difference in roles, there will be a period of transition where they will do everything together.

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to learn from [Pope’s] experience, and then also to share a little bit about Piedmont and my experience,” Muñoz said.

Muñoz said having a partner has been a different than working alone.

“I see [our partnership] like two sides supporting one house,” Muñoz said.

Littlefield said Pope has been a great addition to the team, helping with WASC accreditation and the Safety Committee. In addition, she has participated in a number of administrative meetings and specialized learning plans.

“I was looking for a school where I can utilize my strengths, [a school] that had a really good sense of community, and where I felt like I could have an impact,” Pope said.

Littlefield said she has reached out to the student body, visiting classrooms and making connections with students as well as teachers. She even went to the park during lunch to introduce herself and remind students to keep the park clean.

“She’s really done her best to acclimate herself to Piedmont High School,” Littlefield said.

Pope wants to redefine the image of assistant principal, she said.

“I’m going to try and get you to where you need to go,” Pope said. “I want you to know that you have advocates here in the front office.”

Moreover, Pope is with kids on and off campus. Between her senior daughter, seventh-grade son, and two freshmen step children, she has quite a bit of experience with kids, Pope said.

“I really do a lot of kind of like life coaching, if you will, with kids,” Pope said.

Pope’s enthusiasm and knowledge about working in high schools has already left an impression, Muñoz said.

“I’m really excited to be here. So far, it’s been just a really great welcome,” Pope said. “If you need anything, my door’s always open.”