There is just something about HBR
It is hard to believe that I am about to enter the homestretch of my second school year at Hinckley-Big Rock High School already. Time flies, as does my every day at HBRHS–so I must be having some fun. Partnering with Mr. Kriesch and all of the faculty and staff to provide the best learning experiences possible to our Royals is important and fulfilling work, and I am thankful to be part of this team and community.
Rounding off my 25th year in education, I am grateful that I currently contribute my energy and expertise to HBR’s efforts. My career has included teaching high school and college English and graduate education courses to practicing teachers and administrators in addition to serving as a high school instructional coach and department chair. Much of this work has been in large high schools of 2500-4000 students, but there is nothing like being part of a small learning community like HBR where I know all students by name, have daily conversations with several, get to know faculty and staff more personally, work closely with the elementary and middle schools on district initiatives, and personally join forces with parents to support their MVPs. HBR is like a small family. Mrs. Colleen Feick kindly composed last month’s Every Royal’s Voice post, and as I read her testament about how the “Royal community has been there through it all,” how her children likely would be successful in any other school “but no other school would have given our unique family the same love, support, or dedication,” I was reminded that I am in a special place. Even though I know my own children are earning an excellent education and they like their schools, my community’s schools are large and I do not think they or I could share Mrs. Feick’s sentiments about the district where I live. In fact, recently I asked my daughter, who is a high school senior, to check with her principal about something, and she said, “I don’t know who he is.” Her principal is a woman. I think not knowing who one’s principal is is sad. I am proud that all HBRHS students–and even some at the elementary and middle schools–know who the assistant principal is, and hopefully they feel comfortable checking in with me if they need anything. There is just something about small schools and small communities. There is just something about HBR.
I appreciate so much about my day at HBRHS. One of my highlights is talking with students in the hallway or getting surprised when they visit my office just to chat, get advice, or problem-solve something; these moments help me not to feel so far away from the classroom, where my true passion–teaching–lies. The faculty camaraderie when we rally around students who need some extra academic or social emotional support is incredibly impressive. Our teachers genuinely care, so I am honored to consider them my colleagues. Helping those students who on particular days have not been the best versions of themselves through situations so they learn how to make better decisions in the future is so fulfilling for me. During these conversations, I often point to the sign in my office: “Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath and start again.” The resets are ever so rewarding to witness. It is fun to attend our Royals’ sporting events and take pictures to celebrate online and publish in our yearbook. I try to get into classrooms every chance I get to see teaching and learning in action, and I have been lucky enough to get invited to participate and conference with students at times; it makes my day when a student stops by my office to ask me to critique and provide feedback about his or her essay!
I am excited about some projects on the horizon, like adding our new Modern U.S. History class; incorporating yearbook production into our photography classes; making our library a go-to place as we attempt to re-introduce our high school students to the love of reading and the books written for them; working with teachers on assessment practices; “hearing” our students’ voices as they start to post more of their perspectives–their story–to our website, Facebook, and Twitter; providing more and earlier experiences that get students thinking about their options and opportunities after high school, like taking sophomores to Waubonsee Community College this spring and familiarizing students with apprenticeships in the skilled trades; and reimagining how we create and maintain a positive culture where all of us feel a strong sense of school spirit and belonging. After all, everything we do at HBR is so that “students will be prepared to take hold of their tomorrow.” Their tomorrow.
When I am not at HBRHS, I enjoy spending time with my wife and four children; doing anything outdoors (preferably in the Northwoods) like fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, and going to car shows; watching my son’s soccer games and classic movies; traveling; reading; and finding just the right tie that will match my jacket.
It feels FANTASTIC to be a Royal! I am Ready to Go…
