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Dear Berean Community,
Before taking the principal's role at Berean, I served the school as an 11th grade Bible teacher. Over the years of being in the classroom, I learned what all teachers eventually learn – every class is comprised of students with unique personalities; when those personalities are combined in a room with four walls, the class takes on a personality of its own. When I was teaching, I had classes where discussions on particular theological topics went on for days. With other classes, I got nothing but crickets. Some classes brought comedy and laughter, while others were quiet and reserved. But whatever class personality showed up in a particular year, the challenge was always the same – find a way to connect with that class and inspire deep learning.
But since I've occupied the principal's office, I've realized a distinct school-wide personality takes shape every year as well. I was curious as to what that personality would be as we counted down the days to the first day of school, and after the first couple of weeks, I think I know what it is. But before I reveal what I think, I would like to tell you that it was a traffic jam that helped with my thinking. Yes, a traffic jam. At the conclusion of the first day of school, cars began to stack up in front of the office and down El Divisadero Avenue. Normally, the car line to pick up students never reaches that far, but it was happening in both directions. I left my office to diagnose the problem, and I quickly found the source – students were not ready or willing to leave for the day. Parents were waiting in their cars, and their children were not getting in. Instead, they continued to talk and socialize while the log jam ensued. This happened for three consecutive days until we decided to ask parents to stagger their arrival times during our on-campus All School Retreat.
So, what do I believe the personality of Berean is going to be this school year? Well, no doubt Berean is a place where people appreciate being together. But this year, sociability is very apparent. And when you combine sociability in an environment dedicated to the pursuit of the things that are true, excellent, honorable, just, beautiful, and commendable (Phil 4:8), what you have is "Christ-like geniality." And that distinct personality creates a very warm and hospitable setting where young people love to be. I think that's why we can't get them to leave in the afternoons!
God Bless You,
Nicholas Harris
God Bless You,
Nicholas Harris