Hello All. My name is Ames Singley (I go by Mr. Ames) and I am the Principal for the Gila Crossing Community School Elementary Campus. I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve the school and the community in this role.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Syracuse University and a M. Ed. in Education Leadership and Administration from Jones International University. I began my career in Connecticut where I worked as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, and a high school football and baseball coach. My first full-time teaching position was on the island of St. Thomas in the USVI where I taught elementary school physical education. I joined the Gila River Indian Community Department of Public Health in October 1991 and remained with this department for fifteen years providing physical education classes for several different schools in the community. Gila Crossing Community School is the only Gila River school that I had the privilege of serving during each of those years and in recent years expanded my position there, taking on the responsibility of athletic director. I left Gila River and Gila Crossing for the 2006-07 school year and worked as an administrator for Gilbert Public Schools. This move was a invaluable experience but in my heart I always felt that I would return to Gila River if the opportunity presented itself, and it obviously did, though much sooner than I had anticipated.

As a member of the Gila Crossing Administration it is my intention to provide leadership and support for every stakeholder associated with the school. Communication, understanding, and sensitivity are three areas that I plan to model and emphasize throughout the school. My educational philosophy is that students will be successful when they have the opportunity to learn in a safe and nurturing environment, are provided educational activities and experiences that are hands on, engaging, and fun, and are supported in their learning by all members of the school staff, their families, the community as a whole. I see great things in the future for all Gila Crossing students and am honored to have an opportunity to rejoin the school.

I live in Gilbert, AZ with my wife Carmen and our two children, Jay 18 and Arrielle 16. I enjoy most all spectator sports, playing golf, reading, and working in my yard.