Principal - Grace Mancilla
My name is Grace Mancilla and it is a great pleasure to introduce myself as the new principal of A.M. Story Intermediate. I am honored to have been selected to join the great staff at Story. I look forward to working with a dynamic staff, dedicated parents and involved community members. Most of all, I look forward to working with our students and continuing the outstanding work already in place at A.M. Story Intermediate.
Many of you will know me from the time your students were at Southside. I am returning back to Story where I first started my administrative career in 2012 as an Assistant Principal. This is my 30th year in education with the last five years serving as Principal at Southside Elementary.
You can expect that I will work diligently with teachers to ensure our students are exposed to curriculum and instruction that is both challenging and engaging. As part of my regular routine once school begins, you will find me out and about on campus during morning arrivals, afternoon dismissals, and throughout the day. I look forward to starting this new and exciting year together.
Associate Principal - Leslie Hooe
My name is Leslie Hooe, and I am an alumni of Palestine High School, class of 1996. I began my career in Las Vegas, teaching music to Kindergarten - 5th grade students. Then, I worked in Los Angeles as an Assistant Principal and Principal at a Jewish elementary school.
My family and I returned to Palestine in 2016, where I worked as the Junior High and High School Choir Director. In 2022, I returned to administration working as an Assistant Principal in Grapeland ISD. It is an honor and a privilege to return home and serve my community as one of the APs at A.M. Story Intermediate.
I have great expectations for our students and look forward to an amazing 2025-2026 school year!
Assistant Principal - Rene Thomason