As students, we have the privilege of walking into school at 8:10 a.m., doing our work, and leaving by the final bell at 2:55 p.m. Some of us walk into class in the nick of time and leave the second we’re allowed.
Throughout the day, we think about math, science, English and the rest of our classes. We go home, do some homework and spend the rest of the day how we would like.
Yet, graduation gets planned, sports matches are organized, transcripts and letters of recommendation are sent to colleges and IB Candidates meet their diploma requirements. Students know it all gets done, but who does it?
Behind the scenes, it takes a lot of people and a lot of moving parts to keep AHS working like a well-oiled machine.
“The administrators and teaching staff really focus on the student experience and ensuring that the school is providing the highest levels of instruction and support,” AHS Principal Shawn DeRose said.
In a typical school year, this is already a big task, but the 2021 year has been anything but normal.
“Being the principal of AHS and trying to meet the needs of such a diverse community and such a talented staff while we’re going through a global pandemic is exciting, for better or for worse,” DeRose said.
He is in charge of students and administrators and does a lot of the big picture stuff, but he can’t do it all.
Annandale has assistant principals, deans and supervisors who all focus on different parts of education, security and student resources. You may not know their names, but every day they are walking the halls, popping into classrooms and supporting students. While the student body might not know the important administrators as well, we do know our counselors.
Over the four years students spend at AHS, counselors, assigned by last name, make efforts to get to know students and interact with them throughout the year.
“Watching students turn into mature young adults and graduate from high school is my favorite part of this job,” counselor Lisa Foliaco said. “In my opinion being a school counselor is the best job to have in a school.”
Counselors help deal with stressed students, but any IB Diploma Candidates who need help get directed to the IB Coordinator, Linda Bradshaw.
“I don’t have a typical work day. I spend time visiting IB classes, supporting the juniors and seniors that are pursuing the IB diploma, communicating with parents and providing staff development opportunities,” Bradshaw said.
She is also in charge of setting up and promoting IB classes and the diploma to sophomores, as well as planning and making sure the IB exams go as smoothly as possible.
While everyone has a different job, they have one thing in common: they love what they do and where they do it.