Daniels enjoys traditional learning

Editor's note: As area schools have reopened, the Folsom Telegraph's Our Town series is introducing the community to its educational leaders This segment features Terri Daniels, principal of Folsom Middle School. When Terri Daniels moved to Folsom from Redding in 2019 to be closer to her family, she had no idea what the next year would bring as the new Folsom Middle School principal. Daniels has been the principal for the last three years, almost entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before becoming theFolsom Middle School principal, Daniels taught for 25 years in elementary and secondary levels of education. She has a credential for special education and has been in administration at various schools for the past 14 years. Halfway through her first year as Folsom Middle School principal, the school was forced to go online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "COVID made the last year and a half a very unprecedented time. In March of 2020, we had to go fully online and do distance learning. We were hopeful we would be able to come back in the fall of 2020 as a traditional schedule but that was not in the cards. We were slowly able to transition to having students and teachers back this spring," said Daniels. Daniels "is excited" to welcome all students and faculty back this August for a traditional learning experience while following all county, state, and Folsom Cordova Unified School District protocols. "I am looking forward to be able to go back to traditional learning, full days with the students and overall just the more traditional method of learning," Daniels said. "While it was hybrid learning, it was somewhat normal with half days in person. However, I am excited for everyone to be back for full days, all synchronous." Daniels said she "is very aware of the fact that things could change as the year progresses." However, that does not stop her enthusiasm for the new school year. Folsom Middle School plans to slowly welcome back activities such as assemblies, rallies and dances as the year continues, according to Daniels. "We will address more as we move into the year. Right now, we are looking forward to being back to school as normal as we can with full capacity on campus," Daniels said. "We are planning and getting ready. I am ready for a great school year."