May 10th, 2017
By: Chere Langliers

 

We have had many new contributions to PHS this year in many teacher positions. Since it is near the end of the school year and last week was teacher appreciation week, we wanted to check in and see how our new teacher’s first year went here at Phoenix High.

We had multiple additions  to our pirate crew, which included Andrew Brock, who is the choral director of PHS. Daniel Buckley and Quinn McAndrews, who are the new teachers of the Social Studies Department. Nicole Pettit and Jake Holderman were added to the English Department. And we can’t forget Don Rugraff, who is the principle aka the Pirate Captain of PHS. Some of these teachers have only taught one year in total and this is their first year teaching in general. Those new teachers are Nicole Pettit and Quinn McAndrews.We wanted to ask them a few questions about how their first year went.

The first thing we asked McAndrews was “how was your first year at Phoenix High?” McAndrews said “my first year was amazing, a lot of great things happened and it’s been a rollercoaster but i’ve enjoyed every second of it.” We also asked him “what was your favorite moment here at Phoenix High?” Mr. McAndrews then replied with “I loved seeing students grab a concept and critically think about it and when they make connections on their own, that really make me feel good as an educator.” Mr.McAndrews is an easily favorite for many of the study body here at PHS, and we greatly appreciate his work and everything he does for his students.

The next new teacher we wanted to check in with was Mr. Petitt. Unfortunately, she was far to occupied to have a chance to talk to her. As an english teacher she has multiple papers to grade, especially because she has senior classes which requires constantly reminding seniors about deadlines, and reading their papers. We dearly appreciate her hard work, and understand that we were unable to work with her. Her sassy sarcasm and ability to relate/understand students makes students feel thankful and comfortable in her class.

PHS was very welcoming and grateful for all the new staff included on our ship. A huge shoutout to our first year teachers who did an excellent job for their very first year of teaching.

This year is coming close to an end, so finish the year off strong Pirates! Only 5 1/2 weeks left until the school year ends! And to the seniors, farewell and goodluck in your future plans. Have a great rest of your year!