Vice Principal's smooth transition prepares him for new year's challenges

Vice Principal’s smooth transition prepares him for new year’s challenges

By Jennie CullinaneClass of 2008

Last year, when Mr. Ed Connors was hired as Vice Principal, it seemed that he immediately blended effortlessly into the school, finding his niche so soon that perhaps, at first, not many took notice of him. He met kids during call list, oversaw lunches, and spoke at assemblies—soon enough, it was hard to remember a time that Mr. Connors had not served as Vice Principal. After only a few months at Walpole High, his down-to-earth attitude and approachable personality had made Mr. Connors a fast favorite among students and teachers alike. It was not until this year, with the school in an uproar over new bells, a new cafeteria set-up, and a new principal, that the school could truly appreciate such a smooth transition. As an alum of Walpole High, Connors has found that not much has changed since he roamed the halls as a student, even remembering some teachers from when they taught him as a teenager. However, he does recognize the improvements that the school has made, commending Walpole High for being “a better school than when I attended it, and I don’t just mean the building. Now, [the school] expects more from its students.” After more than a year at Walpole High, Connors has clearly adjusted to the school. He has ironed out any rookie mistakes that he was making last year, having learned everyone’s name and no longer mistaking teachers for students, as he admittedly has done. “The hardest thing was meeting all the new kids, as well as the staff, and also learning a new job,” said Connors. While adjusting to this new job, he discovered some of the tougher rigors of his new responsibilities, remembering the first time he had to suspend a student as one of the most difficult things he has had to do as Vice Principal. Despite these bumps in the road for Connors, he looks back on last year as being extremely fulfilling for him. But even after such a successful first year, Connors still thinks his impact on the school leaves something to be desired. “There are a lot of things that I think I did well,” said Connors, “but there’s also more that I wanted to do.” He has entered this new school year with the goal to meet more students—intending to visit more classes and attend more extracurricular activities. He has clearly followed through on his word, having emceed the school’s annual Pep Rally just this past October. “I want the people to know me,” says Connors, “The best thing to do is to communicate with everybody, keeping everyone informed—students, parents, and staff.”