suber's influence at glenelg is far reaching

By: Madison Stouffer 

There’s an age-old expression most people have heard: “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” For assistant principal Sandra Suber, it’s one she has come to truly value since she first recalled hearing the phrase as a guidance counselor at the beginning of her career. 

Today, Suber says the proverb applies to the strength of Glenelg’s staff, students, parents, and community, working together to support students on their path to graduation and future success. 

Students might argue, though, that it has been Suber herself who has strengthened the chain simply by being a positive influence in their lives.

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“I’ve always wanted to be someone that students feel they can talk to in an adult manner,” Suber said. “There is no denying that some students go through difficult challenges. Sometimes having an adult figure in their corner is most beneficial.”

Suber is no stranger in knowing how to communicate with students. A school counselor for 13 years, Suber said she uses skills she developed then to help students as an assistant principal now. 

“I have always relied on using a mix of sincerity and a straightforward approach,” Suber said. “Being genuine and caring during any conversation shows students they are valued. Connection is everything.” 

That includes students like junior Danielle Robertson, who formed a bond with Suber during her freshman year. To her, Suber has been someone whose “safe space makes me feel welcomed and comforted. She has kept it straight up with me and always got the point through. Without her I wouldn't be where I am today.” 

Robertson isn’t the only one who is happy Suber is at Glenelg; junior Ashlynn Burford is another whose high school experience has benefitted under Suber’s leadership. 

“It doesn’t matter if it's personal or school related, Mrs.Suber is my rock,” Burford said. “She is the reason I want to come to school.”

Burford isn’t alone. Suber has been greeting students with a warm smile and simple hello at the junior lot stairs for the past few years. Sometimes it has been this brief interaction that brightens a student’s day.

And it’s no secret that Suber is well loved by the extended GHS community, including staff members. 

“She is a fun woman with a heart of gold,” said former front office secretary Melissa Primero. “She makes working fun! I’ve always appreciated her ability to help students better themselves and guide them to be well rounded.”

Students are the future to our world, Suber makes clear. Part of her goal is to provide students an opportunity to make real-time decisions and turn any poor choices into teachable moments.

She feels that having that person in the building that a student can really trust with anything is a very important tool.

“If students know what your expectations are, they rise to those expectations,” Suber said.

Suber’s dream job was being a counselor, that's what she went to school for and she became that. Her principal at the time encouraged her to be an assistant principal. Suber took classes and said she fell in love with it. Since becoming an assistant principal, she has applied her training and experience, and attempts to incorporate it everyday at Glenelg.

“Glenelg High School is a place where all students can thrive,” Suber said. “I have enjoyed working here for the past three years with the amazing faculty and students and continue to look forward to making a difference in the school and community.”