By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport Madison High School’s new principal began his career as a researcher working in nuclear physics, but his
first love is teaching.
“I came to the United States as a researcher, but I asked myself how I could make a full, long lasting impact on the world and teaching was the answer,” said Groveport Madison High School Principal Dr. Jaivir Singh. “I want to engage students in the sciences and other academic pursuits. Educators must engage students and challenge them. The kids at Groveport Madison need us (teachers and administrators). If you want to be an educator there is no better place than Groveport Madison.”
Singh served as the assistant principal at the high school since 2015. He was chosen to become principal of the school after former principal Aric Thomas left the district last June.
Singh earned his bachelor of science degree in physics, mathematics and chemistry from Panjab University, in Chandigarh, India. While there, he also earned his master’s degree in physics, and his doctoral degree in theoretical physics. He received his teaching license from Wright State and Antioch University, his principal’s license from the University of Cincinnati, and his superintendent’s license from The Ohio State University.
Singh said education is about the students.
“We are here to provide the best education possible,” said Singh. “We want to have a school environment that is conducive to learning. We want instruction to be interesting and engaging. We want to make effective use of new technologies. The old ways of teaching no longer work. Education has changed drastically in the past seven years. It’s more data driven now. It’s a global society now and students must learn to compete not only in Ohio, but in the United States and the world.”
One example of bringing more technology to the education process is Groveport Madison’s 1:1 Technology Initiative where high school and middle school students each receive a Chromebook computer to use.
“It’s the extension of learning beyond the classroom,” said Singh. “Students can see that technology is a tool for learning when it is used appropriately and no just as a distraction for play or for social media.”
Singh said both students and teachers must adapt to new technologies. He added teachers also must know how to face practical challenges in the classroom as well as how to handle 30 students in a class while still providing individual attention to each student.
Academics are the focus, according to Singh, who said improvements are being made. He noted two years ago the high school had six Advanced Placement courses, but that it now has 14, and this year the school has 11 Advanced Placement Scholars including one national finalist.
Singh had high praise for the students at the high school, noting some of them face economic and social struggles outside of school, but still strive to perform academically.
“Our kids are phenomenal,” said Singh. “I’d put them up against any students in any school district. Our kids can handle anything. They adapt well to challenges, they’re respectful, and they carry themselves well. They are better prepared for the real world stress and conflicts they’ll face after graduation. I’m proud of our student body. They give you 100 percent.”
Singh believes community involvement is good for both students and residents. He likes to see partnerships with community groups and businesses that will enhance career opportunities and growth for students, as well as benefit the groups students partner with.
“I invite the community to come help support us any way they can,” said Singh.
Singh said the move to the newly built high school next year is a positive for the students and community.
“It’s a new opportunity for us,” said Singh. “We’re going the right direction to a new building where basic systems, like heating, will work, there will be more space, more equipment, more technology.”
But, Singh said he, like many alumni, will miss the old high school, too.
“I started in the district here,” said Singh of the current high school. “There’s a lot of history here and there have been a lot of great folks pass through these hallways. It’s a tremendous honor and privilege to be the principal here as well as in the new building where we will face new challenges.”
