Gryphon Gazette

The student news site of Animo Pat Brown Charter High School

The student news site of Animo Pat Brown Charter High School

Gryphon Gazette

The student news site of Animo Pat Brown Charter High School

Gryphon Gazette

    APB Home of the Gryphons and… Reed?

    By: Daniela Pineda, Mitchelle Aguilar, Michael Zuniga, & Karina Gonzalez

     

    As fall is rolling in and the students of APB begin to adapt to their new schedule and second home students meet, the man behind the desk, the man behind the school– Mr. Reed.

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    Mr. Reed and Walter (9th)

    With someone like Mr. Hartford as a mentor, it is nearly impossible to not learn the fundamentals of being a great principal to a great school. Mr. Reed, the new principal of APB, essentially got the chance to observe Hartford for 5 years. This time together helped him develop a good sense of what it truly means to be principal. However, Mr. Reed has proven to not be afraid to stray away from the doctrine that Hartford set for this school.

     

    With a new flat screen TV and Star Wars clock, Mr. Reed’s vibrant personality has reflected in the halls of APB. As the incoming freshmen and longtime scholars take steps into a newly lead APB, they see that the principal’s office is no longer a place to be afraid of but a place to feel welcomed by. Stepping into his office, we see the mini cacti on the table, his achievements on the walls, and a friendly face willing to help with whatever we need. The ambiance of APB has allowed students to feel more comfortable and connected to the idea of a new principal. Though Mr. Reed has proven to make great chang
    es, he still warmly greets students each morning the same way Hartford did for so many years.

     

    Many students at APB have noticed that Reed has improved our school’s new lunch and breakfast menu. Reed understood that students last year did not like the school’s lunch and it was his responsibility to change that, “I am really excited about the new lunch because I am sure as you guys remember last year people would get the food, take a bite, and then throw it away” Reed said. His change has not only encouraged students to take the food but actually eat the food as well. “Making sure that the students are eating and kids are happy is extremely important to me, it’s what students really need to help them learn. In the end, by eating good food, students will have more energy and enthusiasm to be exceptional students,” Reed adds.

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    Mario Cortez (12th), Chelsie Zavala (12th) & Gabriela Leyva (11th)


    Students have also shown to be fans of the new food plan, “the food is way better” Chelsie says, “I think as the year goes on, we will see more positive changes and accept Reed the same way we did Hartford.” Students in the past have said APB does not seem like a real high school due to the fact that everyone focuses more on education than the actual high school experience, but Reed is determined to change that, “I am very excited to give students the high school experience that they all want and need” Reed said. As some have noticed, Reed cares a lot more for the high school experience. During Club Day, Reed was able to integrate a BBQ where the lunch ladies served hamburgers for students. This small improvement got everyone talking, “it was great,” Diana Aceves, a senior, states,” we have never had something like that before but it really made me feel as if I was part of a family, like this school was really my second home.” Many students agree with Diana and appreciate Reed for the effort he’s making at making APB the true home for the Gryphons.

     

    Students at APB are comfortable with the change, “he’s a good principle and I’ve noticed more changes than ever in the few weeks we’ve been here” said junior Bryan Aguilar. Although there have been some changes, students miss things from last year. Junior Steve Navarrete says he misses the vending machines but that’s out of Reed’s control because they are viewed as unhealthy by inspectors. In addition for some changes, senior Mario Cortez says that now the restrooms stay open, so students don’t have to leave from class and waste time from learning.

     

    Aside from Mr. Reed, APB is home to a lot of new and old teachers that take intiative to care for their students. Freshman Kevin Hernandez says, “the teachers are better than my old school because they actually teach you and show they care.” Spanish teacher Ms. Yokota says Reed is making students and teachers feel like a family. “He’s created activities that help everyone get to know each other and understand students… it’s no longer about discipline, it’s about getting to know the students and treating them like the adults they will be in a few years or months.” Sophomore, Erlin Alvarado, adds “the rules are different.. better than before… I know longer feel scared of getting in troubles.” APB’s new discipline methods are more about improvement and less about punishment.

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    Kevin Hernandez (9th) & Maya Whence (9th)

    The reflection Mr. Reed isn’t only our school’s principal, he is also our friend. During the short time he’s been principal he has shown us that he is more involved in our school, that’s his job. But, it’s because he cares about the students wants us to be surrounded by a positive learning environment. APB isn’t just home of the gryphons, it is also home to Mr. Reed.

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