Hectic!  That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of the spring semester for a large school like Westside High School.  The activities through athletics, the fine arts, academic competitions – as well as all the social pieces make it a campus that is seemingly alive 24/7.  During my near eighteen years in the Houston ISD, I have had the pleasure of serving strong communities that help ensure the existence of strong schools.  I am honored to have this chance to serve as the Principal of Westside HS, as the progress this campus has shown in its first ten years is inspiring.  Having built a school that students seek out, that families choose, and that educators aspire to be is commendable.  It is each of those aspects that I am also committed to as a leader.  I believe that what may be the most important tenets of my work revolve around building leadership, building relationships, and building a community. 

The greatest pleasure I enjoy as a Principal is seeing students leave campus with more options and opportunities then when they arrived. Saturating the campus with opportunity, my smiles emerge when I see a new 9^th or 10^th grader stepping out on the metaphorical "skinny branch", and showing courage in front of their peers. Or perhaps it's when an 11th grader that came to our campus with their head held low but now competes as a member of our Speech and Debate team. Finally, I would also consider the 12th grader who has simply found the steady ground needed to become a vital and contributing member of their classroom. When these exist, a sense of pride and pleasure becomes contagious.

Consistent with the hectic feel I mentioned above, helping students find their voice in the classroom, on the stage, in the studio, or through athletics is what makes me most proud. Watching them establish their identity among their peers, while carving out a spot in their larger community, can be palpable. Too often educators are so busy that they forget to listen and respect the ideas of young people. Working in a climate where trust is omnipresent, and knowing when to be loose and tight with responsibility, a school can take that turn toward truly existing as a community of learners.

In conclusion, I would have to say that sometimes it is difficult to explain that which is so close to our heart, the piece of us that simply is without thought or premeditation. My work over the past six years as a campus Principal has evolved into a true calling - an unquenchable thirst to ensure that kids, from all circumstances, have opportunities to find success. I have a passion for this work, and, as a result, I hope that the pleasure I derive is easily apparent.

Being a Westside Wolf requires pride and participation.  It’s those two pieces that keep this campus full of energy.

Enjoy the day,
Michael McDonough