We wanted biographical information about Mrs. Browning for the PTO web site. She suggested

that we have a few students conduct an interview. So, on July 23, seven SOE students (Maxx

Keener; Sydney McCoy; Campbell, Reagan, Shea, and Emily Keithly; Ross Tatge) sat on the

floor with Mrs. Browning in her office and asked for the kind of deep, probing information that

kids want out of their principal.

How long were you a teacher?

I taught fifth grade for over 10 years, and I also taught third grade.

Why do you want to be a principal?

For a long time, I only wanted to be a teacher; I loved being a teacher—and I was good

at it! I finally decided that I could make a real difference as a principal, so I went back

to college at the same time that my youngest child went to college. Being a principal

is a major dream for me, but I still like teaching.

How long were you an assistant principal?

I was an assistant principal for three years at Commonwealth Elementary.

How old are your kids?

I have three kids. My son is 29 and lives here in Houston. I have a daughter who is 27 and married; she has a daughter, Avery, who is two. They live here, as well. My youngest daughter is 25; right now, she is in China (selling tickets) at the Olympics. She is based in Austin, Texas.

Are things going to change at our school?

I want to get to know the kids, the teachers, and the parents. Kids come first. Maybe some things will need to change, maybe they won’t. We’ll wait to see.

What was your favorite subject when you were in school?

I loved reading and math—majorly! Sometimes people who like reading don’t like math very much, but I liked both. I still am always reading a book or two.

What made you decide that you wanted to work with kids?

I decided that I wanted to be a teacher when I was in fifth grade, and I never changed my mind. I was my high school valedictorian, and many people told me that I should be a doctor or a lawyer. My mom was a teacher and was on the school board. She told me that teaching was important, and if I wanted to be a teacher, I should be one.

What do you do for fun?

I read and I spend time with my family—especially my granddaughter, Avery. She’s even been here to visit me at the school.

What do you like to eat?

I like a lot of things, especially Chick-Fil-A. I found a copy of the Scanlan Oaks cookbook and have found some recipes in that book that sound good. I already noticed some names in that book that look familiar—maybe these are recipes from grandparents of our students.

How many students will we have this year?

Between 800 and 900—much fewer than last year!

What is your favorite color?

Blue.

Who influenced you the most?

My parents, especially my mother, who was a teacher and a member of the school board.

Which college did you attend?

Baylor University for my bachelor’s degree and University of Houston for my Master’s degree.

Will we get more playground equipment this year?

I’m not sure, but we are getting our baseball fields back!

Where else have you taught?

I taught at Dulles Elementary, Colony Bend, and an elementary school in central Texas.

Can we have a longer recess?

No, the length of recess is a district policy. We’re here to learn, and we do learn good things on the playground, but we probably learn more curriculum in the building. So no, sorry! I’m a rule follower, and we need to follow the rules, even when we don’t like them.

What’s your favorite time of the year?

This year, it’s right now—I’m so excited about being here—and my favorite day of the year will probably be the first day of school! Usually I really enjoy winter break. My family celebrates Christmas, and I enjoy that day. My granddaughter’s birthday is December 24, and that will be a fun day, too.

Will we be able to wear flip-flops or sandals to school?

No, that’s another rule. It’s a pretty good rule. It’s important for safety, especially when you’re outside or in P.E.

What’s your husband’s name?

His name is Mr. “B” ( all my kids’ friends call him that); his first name is Randy.

What is your favorite movie?

Probably “The Sound of Music.” I like many G-rated movies because they often have good story lines.

Does working at a school seem like fun to you?

Yes, I like working at a school—it’s not like working in an office for me. I liked being in school, even when I was a student.

When is your birthday?

March 22.

Do you have an unknown talent?

Yes—straw blowing. (Mrs. Browning demonstrated this by blowing across the top of a straw, like blowing across the top of a soda bottle, but it sounded like a kazoo!)

Can we have dessert every day in the cafeteria?

I don’t have control of that. The cafeteria serves food that must meet specific nutritional guidelines.

Is there anything else that you would like us to know about you?

I think we’ve covered it all!

Pam Browning

MEET