When asked what comes to mind when she thinks of the word “principal,” Fortis Academy’s leader doesn’t think of person, but of a thing. 

“It may sound weird, but the word ‘community’ comes to mind,” said Travita Godfrey, who hwas served as the principal at Fortis Academy since July 2021. “I remember the school I went to with my former principal, Ms. Gwyn, and it was the hub of the community. It was in a neighborhood, so kids would walk to school. My grandparents lived two houses from the school, parents would come for events and drop off lunches, but she would be out and talking to everyone. 

“So, it really means getting out into the community, helping people, giving them resources, bringing them in and me being out there. That’s what I picture in my mind when I picture a principal – this person that has a web around them and that web is the community.”

October is National Principals Month and HCDE will highlight each of its four Special Schools principals

Godfrey has made community for Fortis Academy, its students and staff, and the area surrounding the campus. Fortis Academy is Harris County’s first public school for students recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. 

She’s visited with residents of the Green Oak Park subdivision and campus leaders at Aldine Davis High School, both of which sit across the street, just south of Fortis Academy. She’s built a relationship with leaders at the Quang Minh Buddhist Temple, which is on the north side of the school. 

Knowing her neighbors helps Godfrey take care of her school. 

“Because if we need help, we know who to reach out to and vice versa,” she said. “If they need us, they know they can come. Maybe it’s an event and they need the parking lot. No problem. Or if they see us chasing a kid, they can let us know instead of not getting involved.” 

The community approach has proven successful for Fortis Academy students. Last month, nearly a dozen students visited Lamar University in Beaumont as part of a new initiative to tour community colleges and universities across the southeast region, informing students and inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Part of the visit was the opportunity to visit with Lyric Lawrence, a Lamar student who graduated from Fortis Academy in May.

Godfrey brings that community approach to school every day. She even attended the Green Oak Park Homeowners Association meeting after being offered an invitation. 

“They were grateful that I showed up, but I was more excited that they invited me,” she said. “I don’t live in this community, but I can make an impact in the things that I do in this community. That’s why I think a principal is a valued and integral part of the community in which they serve. That’s what being a principal means.”