Administration
PRINCIPAL
Dr. Michael Norris
Since assuming the role of G-PHS Principal in June of 2021, Dr. Norris has brought more than a decade of secondary administration experience to G-PHS. He previously served at Rockport-Fulton High School, and Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kansas. He's a former English and Communication Arts teacher, and earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Kansas, as well as a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science (both in Education) from the same university.
Dr. Norris worked directly with many students and families devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2018. At Lawrence High School, he played an active role in transitioning ninth grade students to the campus for the first time in 2009 (previously it was a 10th – 12th grade campus). Through various challenges, Dr. Norris said he developed a “whatever it takes” mindset and mantra as it relates to student needs, and credits his campus team for their commitment to providing an increasingly dynamic and differentiated learning environment for our G-P Wildcats.
DEAN OF INSTRUCTION
Shelly Elizalde
I am so excited to be joining the administration team this year at G-PHS. My family and I relocated to Portland a year ago, and we absolutely love being Wildcats!!
This will be my 24th year in education. I attended Texas A&M University where I earned a Bachelor's of Science in Agriculture Science and earned my teaching certification. I also have a M.S. from Angelo State University, and I earned my Principal Certification through Concordia University. Over the past 23 years I have served in several administrative positions including Instructional Facilitator, Curriculum Facilitator, CTE Coordinator, and CTE Director.
I look forward to working with and supporting all of our teachers with curriculum and instruction to ensure student learning. Our goal is for each student to receive a well-rounded education here at G-PHS that will enable them to fulfill their goals for the future. Our campus will function as a "Professional Learning Community" team to do whatever it takes to ensure student learning and ultimately life-long success!! Let's have a great year, Wildcats!!
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
J Hodges
A-Ga
I am thrilled to continue serving the community of Gregory Portland ISD as an Assistant Principal with the high school. I am a passionate advocate for both students and teachers and look forward to growing alongside them every day. My educational experience has shown me that knowledge truly is power, and I look forward to being on a team of truly dedicated and driven professionals at Gregory Portland High School.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Monica Waggoner
Ge-O
I am excited to be joining the GP team For the 2022–2023 school year. I am coming to Gregory Portland with 20 years of education experience, 7 in administration.
I believe that educational leadership requires a servant heart tempered with the courage in one’s convictions. This is what I strive to share with students and staff that I work with.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my two teenage children and my husband. We’re a very active family that enjoys hunting, fishing, birding, running, watching our kids in their sports, playing some soccer on the beach and (when we can get back to Houston) catching an Astros game.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Gus Barrera
P-Z
I am extremely excited to join the Wildcat family. This will be my 19th year in education. I was previously a teacher and a coach in Robstown. I also served as an assistant principal at Mathis High School before becoming the Ben Bolt - Palito Blanco high school principal for the past three school years. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community of Gregory Portland. Together we will work every day to ensure student success through the use of research-based best practices, student engagement, and data-driven instruction.
