It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of commitment that I step into the role of interim principal at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy. I am eager to collaborate with the students and families, dedicated faculty, and supportive staff to build upon the proud legacy of academic excellence and vibrant school culture that defines our school.

Throughout my career, my focus has been on empowering students not only academically but also in fostering the development of their character. I firmly believe that understanding and connecting with each individual is essential to bringing out their best. My recent role experience as Assistant Principal at Metro Academic and Classical High School and formerly the assistant principal at Soldan International Studies High School helped to gain valuable insights and experiences that have  equipped me for the responsibilities of school leadership.

Prior to my administrative role, I served as a Math Curriculum Specialist for the school district, and my journey in education began as a math teacher. This diverse experience has honed my skills and prepared me to be an effective school administrator dedicated to the holistic growth of our students.

On a personal note, I am happily married to my wife, Keisha, and together, we are blessed with the opportunity to raise our daughter, Zari. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, indulging in reading, and, when time permits, engaging in the rejuvenating activity of running.

I am excited to embark on this journey and I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of our school.

Dr. Polkinghorne is a veteran educator, with more than 20 years experience in middle, secondary, and post-secondary education programs.  His experience includes serving as teacher, professor, and school leader.  He joins McKinley as Middle School Assistant Principal, having served at Gateway STEM High School (St. Louis Public Schools) since 2018.  At Gateway STEM he served as teacher and department chair of business, marketing, and technology education and Assistant Principal of Academics.  His leadership is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and transparency.

Through collaboration, Dr. Polkinghorne, believes in strong relationships with community members, faculty, staff, and scholars to develop rapport and mutual respect.  Through these relationships, he believes that all students can be successful by capitalizing on their innate desire to be successful in the classroom and beyond.

Innovation is a keystone of Dr. Polkinghorne's professional practice, where he believes technology allows for the reduction of barriers to academic and social success.  He leverages technology to provide scholars with interactive experiences to improve their academic and social success and as a tool to pursue academic enrichment that aligns with his scholars' goals.  In addition, technology allows for building relationships with families and community, reducing time- and place- barriers to enchanced parental involvement in the education of children.

Transparency builds respect and allows for the developent of mutual understandings of the role and purpose of a McKinley education.  Dr. Polkinghorne believes that when everyone can gather around the in-person and/or virtual table and share perceptions, beliefs, and data - that stakeholders develop a better understanding of the needs of children and how they can collaboratively support academic and social needs.

His hope for the school year is to "(1) build rapport and mutual respect with the McKinley community, (2) energize innovative practices for teaching and learning and (3) support the social and emotional needs of our shared scholars. He looks forward to meeting and working with you to invigorate the love and joy of learning for the McKinley Goldbugs."

Please CLICK HERE to read an introduction from Dr. Polkinghorne.

I am Matthew Larios, currently serving as the High School Athletic Director at McKinley High School. With eight years of dedicated service to the district, I spent five years at Gateway STEM as a girls' basketball coach before transitioning to my current role. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of coaching the boys' basketball team here at McKinley and serving you as the Athletic Director. I am passionate about my career and cherish the opportunities it provides to positively impact the lives of our student-athletes.