Diane Schroeder is the junior high and high school principal at Morey Charter School. She says that of the many rewards her job provides, "hugs rank the highest."

Diane Schroeder always wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of children. That's why, a decade ago, she entered the traditional public school system as a teacher. Now, after two years as a principal at Morey Charter School of Shepherd, she feels she is making an even bigger difference for students.

"I saw administration as a larger opportunity to make an impact," she says. "My ultimate goal is to have the students become capable, talented, and productive members of society-that's what the school system should be all about."

School founder Norval Morey laid out 10 key principles that hang on a plaque in every classroom.

Schroeder, chief administrator for grades 6-11 at Morey, believes she is meeting her goal. Morey's curriculum is challenging and the staff may be "tough," but she says her students are rising to the occasion and reaching the standards set forth.

Schroeder describes the teachers at Morey as hard working and creative. "They have a positive attitude in a positive learning atmosphere. They're a joy to work with," she says. According to Schroeder, this positive learning atmosphere is pivotal to the school's success and is the foundation for the great relationships among parents, students and school staff.

For Schroeder, Morey Charter School, located about 10 miles from Central Michigan University (CMU) in Mt. Pleasant, has been a good fit. She received both her undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science and her master's degree in educational administration from CMU. CMU's Charter School Office serves as the oversight agency for Morey.

Morey Charter School's day starts early in the morning and extends into mid-evening every day during the week. Norval Morey, the school's founder, saw that before- and after-school programs could unite students through positive extracurricular activities. An added bonus of these programs, Schroeder says, is that parents and students can engage in activities with their parents and the school staff, creating a family-oriented environment that does not cut into valuable classroom time.