Personal responsibility is key

Education notes


Chris Roche

Chris Roche

I learned early on in life that excuses were not going to be tolerated. I thank my parents for teaching me lessons like these:

“I don’t ever want to hear from the school unless it is good news.”

“Your teacher is right, you are a student. When you become a professional, you can make the rules.”

“Don’t ever blame anyone but yourself.”

Back then, I remember thinking, “Well, thanks for listening.” Now, I look back and thank them for teaching me the best lesson of all – personal responsibility.

This community and staff completely understand and embrace this philosophy.

We are creating an environment where excuse-making is unacceptable. Yes, the academic content can be difficult, therefore, we offer students every possible opportunity through enrichment, tutorials and small group assistance.

In my view, we are creating a system that works. It works in the same way for the New England Patriots and San Antonio Spurs. In New England, you often hear the term, “The Patriot Way.” They have coined this term to mean, “going about your business within the system and getting the job done.”

As a parent, I look at my own son in kindergarten. I know the teachers are outstanding. I know that if I get a report about behavior, it is my son’s fault, not the teacher’s. End of discussion. When I think of my son’s future here, could I ask for a better situation? The answer is probably not.

Look at the recent success of the district:

Fourteen academic distinction designations, 54 UIL medals for Brundrett Middle School, 12 ribbons at the art exhibit, a UIL high school team that was second in the state in debate, a great Challenge Team, a sixth straight state appearance for coach Steve Reaves and the cross country team, basketball teams that continue to make state runs each year, a history club led by teacher Sharon Dignum, who was recruited to continue the club by sixth grade students, 13 students going to regionals for BMS band, and a current eighth grade class that had 52 percent of the students score “advanced” on the seventh grade reading STAAR test. To illustrate how great that is, the state of Texas had 76 percent of students “meet standard.” BMS had 52 percent score “advanced!”

State average for math in seventh grade was 67 percent with only 11 percent “advanced.” BMS was 93 percent, with 33 percent “advanced.” State average for seventh grade writing was 70 percent, and BMS was 93 percent. English I EOC was at 95 percent versus the state average of 67 percent. In third grade reading, 96 percent met standard versus the state average of 76 percent.

This year, Port Aransas High School received a silver medal and is ranked 859 in the nation, which is the top 5 percent of high schools! Of 1,492 high schools analyzed in Texas, PAHS was ranked as 91, which is the top 6 percent of Texas high schools! SchoolDigger.com ranks the Port Aransas Independent School District 34 out of all districts in Texas. SchoolDigger.com ranks BMS 104 out of 1,920 middle schools in Texas. The Niche database ranked PAISD as 16 in the state of Texas.

Sometimes with great success come even greater expectations.

As I spoke to students the other day, I told them to thank their parents every time they ask to go to a party and their parents say no. When “all my other friends have to be home at 10 p.m. and I am the only student who has to be home early,” doesn’t work, thank them. When you receive consequences for poor grades, thank your parents. When you get your phone, iPad or video game system taken away for not doing what you are supposed to do in school, thank your parents. They are teaching you great life lessons.

The structure is here, the talent is here, and the concept of team is here. It would be tough to find a better place to go to school! Students, the rest is up to you. Be personally responsible and accountable! You will be grateful that your teachers, administrators and parents were so tough on you when you get to college and embark on a career.

Chris Roche is principal at Brundrett Middle School.


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