Heights High principal welcomes students

Heights High Principal Brian Williams is often in the halls, talking to students. He recently talked to juniors, Ella Damaser and Macy Smith, students in Madame Woods' French Honors 2 class. The students were preparing to leave for a field trip to the Cedar Lee Theatre to view a French language film.

On the third day of school, Cleveland Heights High School Principal Brian Williams invited students to grade level meetings in the auditorium. He introduced himself and talked about the new building as a symbol for a new era in Tiger Nation.

“The adults in this building are here to support and help you,” Williams said.

He spoke about the new building and the responsibility of attending school in a brand new facility that was provided by the community. 

“We have a collective commitment to treat this amazing place with respect and gratitude. What was given to us must be held as sacred space and treated with the utmost respect,” Williams said.

Williams also spoke about the importance of unity and community. “We can live by the Latin phrase ‘E pluribus unum.’ Out of many, one. We are many individuals, but we are also one Tiger Nation,” he said. 

Williams was clear that he has great respect and admiration for the students and also has high expectations for them. “We believe that there are no bad students, but sometimes students do make poor choices,” he said. “Today we are letting you know our expectations. Once we know better, we do better.”

When Williams introduced the assistant principals, guidance counselors and school social workers to the class of 2019, the students clapped for each staff member.

Williams thanked the students for their polite clapping and said, “That shows love, and I appreciate that.”

A student yelled out, “We love you.” Williams responded, “I love you back, each and every one of you.”

Josh Luton, dean of students, also addressed the attendees before outlining the school’s expectations for its students. “I am a positive person,” Luton said. “And I am here to support you and help you make choices that will help you graduate.” 

Joy Henderson

Joy Henderson is the Parent/community liaison for Heights High.

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Volume 10, Issue 10, Posted 1:09 PM, 09.29.2017