Patrick McGuire is the new Principal at Fort Zumwalt North Middle School, effective July 1. McGuire joined the district as an assistant principal at North Middle last year, and is looking forward to having a larger part in working with families, students and staff grades 6 - 8.
“I am passionate about creating school cultures where students and teachers feel supported, challenged, and prepared to navigate both academic and personal growth,” McGuire says. He is inspired by the district’s mission, and the opportunity to lead with purpose. McGuire says that, being new to the district, he has been learning more about the 7 Habits of Happy Kids throughout the school year, including from his students. “I love the direction the district is going to help prepare kids.”
His goals for his first year as building principal center on continuing to build the connections within the North Middle community.
“I believe effective school leadership is rooted in collaboration, trust, and clear expectations,” McGuire says. “I look forward to being seen at school events and in the community. I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories to understand where people come from, which is why I really enjoy it here, because of the people!”
McGuire, his wife and their two sons are proud to be a part of the Zumwalt community. McGuire came to Fort Zumwalt after serving as the Dean of Students and as a Social Studies teacher at Battle High School in Columbia. He started his career as a teacher in Moberly after studying at Hannibal La-Grange College and Missouri Baptist University He earned his master’s and his specialists degrees from Mizzou. His time away from school centers on them, as well as some fishing and pickleball when he can. “We love to be outdoors,” he says.