BROOKINGS The top two spots at Brookings High School are now occupied by Bobcat alumni. Former Assistant Principal Justin Stanley class of 1999 was named principal earlier this summer; and now Zach Thomas class of 2010 has become the new assistant principal.
I dont know of anyone else in these positions that have both been Bobcats, Thomas said. Theres a value that both of us place on this building and this community because we were both Bobcats and we grew up here. And thats something special.
Hes a familiar face in the halls of BHS having spent five years as a history teacher, six years coaching girls basketball, and two years in the learner support role at the school.
So I worked a lot with attendance and different behavior stuff that came up at the high school, Thomas said. I think a lot of people and I was guilty of this growing up until I got in the schools dont always realize all the kind of tough things all of our families are going through in Brookings. And so I think raising awareness of that is important. And being willing to help; I know we have so many people who are willing to help here.
He said times are changing for kids, and its important for teachers and administrators to make connections with students.
I just got done reading a book about cell phones and how thats impacted our kids. So between that and social media, I think the kids have it harder now than what I did growing up, Thomas said. I think kids feel like they can have conversations and share whats going on with me, and that all just stems from caring about them asking them about what they like, talking about their interests, showing up to sporting events or activities that theyre involved in. So I think all of those things are important. And to me thats not a job I enjoy doing all those things.
He said its work made even more enjoyable by the teachers and staff he serves alongside.
We have so many phenomenal students and staff members in our building, Thomas said. And thats another draw of working here for me is I get to surround myself with a bunch of teachers who are extremely professional, and they know about education. They make me better, being in the same room as them.
He said each year the school district has between 15 and 20 BHS graduates on staff.
Its pretty cool when we have our district meeting at the start of the year and say, lets all the former Brookings High School graduates stand up. Its pretty neat to see all the people that want to come back here, Thomas said.
His connection with some of those teachers goes back deeply.
Some of my former teachers still work here, Thomas said. When youre having maybe a hard day or whatever, and you see those people who gave you so much when you were here, I think thats something that pushes me to remember why Im here today. Remember, its not about you its about the kids and serving our students.
As a former Bobcat, he can draw on experiences with past assistant principals to help him do his job today.
It kind of makes me feel a little old, but Paul von Fischer was the assistant principal my first two years here. And I think it was my sophomore year I parked somewhere I wasnt supposed to in the parking lot, Thomas said. Paul was great and came and got me, walked me out there, showed it to me, and he just Pauls amazing just the way that he handled that whole thing, and the relationships that he created with students. Like he was the guy thatd be playing badminton with kids during recess and stuff like that. So I learned a lot from him and the way he approached things.
Its a tradition of understanding and empathy he wants to see continue at Brookings High School.
Our doors are open. If you have questions or concerns you know were here to help and were here to do the best for kids, Thomas said. Were here to help, were here to serve, and we all want the same thing for our kids.
Email Jay Roe at[email protected].
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