Staff Profile: Jamie Thomas

By Katrina Jesusa Nazareno
Staff Writer | The Pacific Times

This is one of the pictures that Assistant Principal Jamie Thomas values. It was taken at a shelter in Zambia with his friends; Thomas is in the middle. Thomas spent the summer working with street orphan children helping them overcome addictions and with schooling.

Known as the “Stephen Curry” of NP3 High, Jamie Thomas recently started as the school’s new discipline assistant principal.

Thomas’ career in education started as a counselor. He has worked in the Natomas Unified School District for nine years.

“I hope to be someone who can support students and advocate for them while also having a firmness that is loving but holding the students accountable since my role is a disciplinarian,” Thomas said.

“At first I thought I was going to work in the FBI,” said Thomas. “So, I received my undergraduate in sociology while minoring criminal justice and eventually received my masters degree in education. All from San Jose State University.”

Before his position at NP3 High School, Thomas worked at various schools. He was a vice principal and counselor at Natomas Middle School for four years, vice principal at Natomas High School for two years, and, most recently, vice principal and counselor at Discovery High School for a year.

Thomas learned about NP3 when he toured the K-12 campus during orientation for his son, now a kindergartener. A friend had recommended the school, he said.

“I fell in love on the campus and I think that the adults are pretty cool and care about the kids, and it just happened,” Thomas said.

The main reason Thomas said he chose to pursue a career in education was because he felt that he was judged a lot by others when he was in school. He added how he didn’t really have an adult who looked out for him and did not feel supported.

When he started working with middle school children during college, “I was like, this is pretty cool, being able to live through the experiences I had and help those kids on what they’re going through,” he explained.

When it comes to hobbies, Thomas noted that he has a two year old daughter and a five year old son.

“When me and my wife started having little kids, their hobbies became your hobbies, you don’t have to do anything else.”

When he has time, he enjoys being outdoors and loves the peace near the ocean. He also likes to workout, play video games, and hangout with his friends.

Thomas used to be a sports coach at Natomas Middle School. In his free time, Thomas attends Sport Club and started a Cricket Club at NP3 High School.