With the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Herriman High welcomes our new principal Thomas Gatten.
Mr. Gatten has been in the education field for 28 years, being a teacher for his first seven years. Starting out as a teacher was something he enjoyed, and he always knew he wanted to stay in education. He says “…I could take a step up and help kids in a different way.” A way he does this is forming relationships with the students and staff. He says it goes beyond knowing them in a principal-student relationship, but just getting to know his students.
When asked about his goals and vision for the school, Mr. Gatten said “We want kids to be kind and to get involved[…]and learn how to talk in class and […] the other one was to have fun.” For him, education is not just about academics, but also about developing the skills students need to thrive beyond the classroom.
At the same time, Mr. Gatten believes that school should be a joyful place. “It can be time consuming and it can have the days that you’re just not feeling it, but to find ways to be fun, make friends, and make this a fun experience ’cause you only get to do it once.” he added with a smile. His vision is to make sure students not only achieve academically, but also build lasting friendships, explore their passions, and create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
He truly has the students best interest in mind when it comes to student success. “How are the kids?” Was one of his big concerns when it came to making sure students are progressing academically. The well-being of a student is important to him. His ultimate goal is to have students graduate. As a leader, Mr. Gatten says you have to listen to those around you. You need to collectively listen and hear concerns while centering a respectful sense of communication. His goal is to have students feel supported while at Herriman.
His commitment to student success is beyond academic levels. He recognizes the need for student well being and a good school involvement. He hopes to keep students engaged by continuing with the advertising and fun activities that take place throughout the school year, like Hearts of Gold. With Mr. Gatten as our principal, students will be encouraged to achieve and develop skills that will help them in the next chapter of their lives.
With the start of this school year, we welcome Mr. Thomas Gatten with confidence in his vision. With his years of experience and his student dedication, Herriman High looks forward to a successful school year.
