Sinkler: communication = success

James Sinkler, new assistant principal, was born in Sumter and graduated from Sumter High School. He got his Bachelor’s degree at Newberry College and then Sinkler attended Charleston Southern University where he got his Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Sinkler always wanted to be part of something important. Education is his passion because it prepares the new generation. Teachers are pushing students to be who they want to be in life.

He started his career as a PE and Health teacher. He taught for seven years.

Throughout his teaching years he developed a lot of skills. But what is the most important skill?

“The biggest skill is people skills. Knowing how to talk to people, how to show respect to people. Being able to ask for help and give directions to the new teachers, students,” he said

He believes education is most important.

“Education something that should be valued;a lot of students forget how important it is to be here, learning,” he said.

Sinkler started working at WF in July and he has already set goals for the year.

“I want to increase parent engagement, I want to continue building relationships within the community and make sure that West Florence is truly

West is Best. So I want to prepare our students, our teachers and staff and make sure we are reaching another level,” he said

One of the goals of an assistant principal is to motivate students to study, to do homework and attend school daily.

“Communication is a strong platform for me. Being able to talk to students and tell them ‘Hey, you are going to be great or you can be great.’ And just tell them how important it is to be learning in here,” he said

James Sinkler is married. His wife works in law enforcement, as does his father.

He and his family are big fans of football - Clemson Tigers and Carolina Panthers.

Sinkler wants students to know that: “You will not only see me when you do bad things, but I want to see you when you're doing good things as well.”