NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Lisa Gatz-Daniel starts each day with the same message to her 830 students at Hines Middle School in Newport News: “I love every one of you. Let's make it a great day."

That daily reminder reflects the "heart-first" philosophy that has transformed the school during Gatz-Daniel's nine years as principal.

Her approach prioritizes relationships and community before academic metrics, and the results, she said, speak for themselves.

"I came up with 'Hines is where the heart is.' It needs to be heart first, relationships, connections, community, family, and then from that we can get the scores, and [the] growth that we need," Gatz-Daniel said.

Under her leadership, the school has expanded its support staff to include a therapist and student support specialist, ensuring st

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