Meet Mrs. April Sutton – Rosemary Clarke Middle School Principal

Stepping into the role of principal at Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS), April Sutton brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future. Having graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 2003, Mrs. Sutton has come full circle, returning to her roots to lead and inspire the next generation of students in her hometown.

Mrs. Sutton’s journey into education was shaped by her passion for academics and the influence of powerful mentors. Initially pursuing pre-law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she found her true calling in education after humbling experiences in her law classes. “I decided that I ‘fit in’ better at the college of education,” she explained. Starting as a substitute teacher, she quickly landed her first teaching position at John C. Fremont Professional Development Middle School. Her journey through various educational roles, including teaching 7th grade United States History and 8th Grade Accelerated Geography in Clark County School District, eventually led her to administration. After serving as the Assistant Principal at RCMS from 2021 to 2024, she was appointed principal during the 2023-2024 school year.

Mrs. Sutton’s primary goals for RCMS are centered on data-driven practices, high-quality standards-based instruction, and creating a safe learning environment where students can thrive. She aims to align all systems and processes with these goals, emphasizing attendance, attitude, and academics. “My vision as the new principal is to align all systems and processes with our goals and to get back to the basics of how a middle school is managed,” she stated.

A typical day for Mrs. Sutton is busy and dynamic, filled with making decisions related to student academics, safety, and managing staff and the school building. The most rewarding aspects of her role include seeing students happy and engaged, witnessing teachers’ academic successes, and having well-executed plans. However, she acknowledges the challenges, particularly managing over 1,000 students and ensuring their safety. “The key to managing safety is being informed. If we do not know something is happening, or about to happen, we cannot respond appropriately,” she emphasized.

To foster engagement with students, parents, and the broader community, Mrs. Sutton plans to implement a monthly newsletter to keep parents informed and host various events throughout the school year. She is committed to being transparent and opening up RCMS to the community, ensuring everyone feels involved in the educational process.

Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Sutton enjoys reading fiction, traveling, and camping with her family. As a mother and wife, she prioritizes family, drawing support from her husband, an educator at PVHS, and her two young children. Her personal experiences drive her to make RCMS a place all students enjoy. “I want the middle school to be a place where all students in the valley want to attend, my own included,” she shared.

As the new principal, Mrs. Sutton is focused on data-driven instruction, excellence in teaching and leadership, creating a culture of high expectations, and providing frequent opportunities for student access to teacher knowledge. “Every single decision I make, including systems in place, scheduling, and professional learning time, is connected to my goals,” she explained. With a clear vision and dedication, Mrs. Sutton is ready for a great school year at RCMS.