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Joi has served as the principal of Grover Washington Jr. Middle School since 2018. Under her leadership, Grover Washington Jr. Middle School’s School Progress Report scores increased 28% in overall score, 61% in progress, and 20% in climate during the 2018-2019 school year. In 2021, Grover Washington Jr. Middle School was featured in the Philadelphia Tribune’s “School of the Week.”
Joi has been an educator since 2008. Prior to becoming a principal at Grover Washington, Joi was principal at Julia Ward Howe School from 2017-2018. Under her leadership, Howe was named Top Elementary School in the School District of Philadelphia during the 2017-2018 school year, student attendance increased, and the Home and School Association was established. Prior to becoming a principal, Joi served as a 6th-8th grade math teacher, special education liaison, teacher leader, academic coach, technology teacher leader, testing coordinator, and mentor teacher. Joi grew up in Hillside, NJ.
KaTiedra Argro returned to her alma mater with her appointment as principal of Philadelphia High School for Girls in 2024. She previously served as the principal of Commodore John Barry Elementary School from 2019-2024. Under her leadership, John Barry implemented a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, which includes a PBIS arcade room. John Barry’s STAR Student Growth Performance in reading increased 7.1% and increased 6.7% in math. KaTiedra also implemented strategic small groups at John Barry, where staff use common planning time to focus on using data to drive small group instruction and professional development aligned with PA school standards.
KaTiedra has been an educator since 2003. Prior to becoming a principal, KaTiedra served as a youth advocate, 5-8 math teacher, 5-8 special education teacher, 5-8 special education liaison, 5-8 director of mentally gifted programs, 7-8 math and science instructional coach, director of specialized services, special education case manager, early intervention special instructor, and assistant principal. KaTiedra has served on the School District of Philadelphia’s Principal Advisory Board, Before Care and After Care Extra Curricula Principal Planning Team, and Professional Learning Cycle Planning Team. She has also served as a Professional Development Facilitator to support equity initiatives at SDP and as the Local 502 Commonwealth Association of School Administrators Steward. KaTiedra grew up in the Fairhill Housing project in North Philadelphia, PA. KaTiedra is a Philadelphia High School for Girls’ graduate Class 243.