Dear GAMP Students, Families, and Community,
I am honored to introduce myself as your new Principal at the Girard Academic Music Program! I am filled with excitement to join GAMP and lead it, with your help and support, to continued excellence.
I come to GAMP with 18 years of experience in the School District of Philadelphia. Many of those years were spent teaching AP and IB English, fostering a love for literature, and helping students become independent writers. Most recently, I served as assistant principal at Hill-Freedman World Academy, where I focused on rigor and access to advanced coursework. In addition, I am a violinist and director of musicals, a background that has convinced me of the transformative power of music education. Because of these experiences, I am eagerly looking forward to leading GAMP, which values academic and musical development equally.
GAMP’s mission is to foster academic and musical excellence while ensuring that every student succeeds and is ready for college and career. My personal philosophy aligns perfectly with GAMP’s mission: to empower every student to envision the future they choose provide them with the support and experiences they need to achieve it. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, the GAMP team and I want to create a school that uplifts every student and makes them know that they truly belong.
In the coming weeks, I look forward to connecting with each of you. I will post a Calendly link to the school website so you can introduce yourselves and your students. Stay tuned to the school website for more information about Back to School Night and other opportunities to meet me in person. I look forward to formally introducing myself and hearing about your wonderful experiences at GAMP.
As we move forward together, I encourage you to share your ideas, concerns, and hopes for GAMP. Your input is vital, and together, we will continue GAMP’s proud legacy of excellence and lead it into an even brighter future.
Thomas E. Emerson
Principal, Girard Academic Music Program