Vol. 4 Issue 1
Sept. 28, 2016
He's Large And In Charge
Donovan Hackett Alex Thompson Staff Writers
Mr. Jay Brady has recently become our principal here at Clovis High School, and we thought we would give the student body a chance to learn more about him and who he is. So, we decided to interview him and get exclusive insight into his life and decisions that he has made and plans to make here at CHS. We found that he was open to our questions, and his responses should be read carefully to clear up any misconceptions that people have had about school policies that he knows and understands quite well. Donovan: First things first, How long have you been an educator? Brady: I have been an educator for twenty-two years, and I love the experience that comes with it. Donovan: Twenty-two years. So where did you start, if you don’t mind me asking? Brady: Sandia Elementary, well I actually started as a teacher from Highland Elementary, and then became principal at Lindsey Middle School in Portales for a year. From there I went to Sandia for 7 years… Donovan: I should know, I was there. Brady: Yes you were; then I was a principal at Marshall for eight years, and you were there, but now I’m at the High School. Donovan: Sweet. Do you have any plans to go higher than CHS? Brady: I am plan to retire from here. Donovan: Alright, as you know, some students are unhappy with the cell phone rules. I mean, I can understand not being able to use them in class. Brady: Right. Donovan: However, some
students are a bit unhappy that we don’t have an explanation as to why we can’t have them before or after school on campus. Could we get an explanation as to why? Brady: So why at Marshall and at other schools it is not okay, and it’s okay for the High School to have phones?
accomplish here at CHS? Brady:I'm glad you asked that question, Donovan. I would like to see our graduation rates go up, and I would also like to see our career pathways improve and grow. I would like to see the number of kids that are leaving Clovis High School with a diploma
grief. It swayed me into becoming an educator because I love working with kids, but I also see how important it is to have good people around young people, helping them grow and develop and finding what the next step is. Donovan: I have questions about the dress code, specifically about the leggings. Brady: Personally, I have no problem with girls wearing tights, spandex, or leggings; however, the Clovis School Board Policy says that tights, leggings, and spandex alone are completely inappropriate for school dress. That, notwithstanding, students may wear tights, leggings and spandex with an appropriate accessory such as a dress. Donovan: Fair enough. The student body has been looking for answers, and we are all glad to have a reason. Brady: There’s policy, there’s law, and there are rules; these all help create an enviroment for order. Donovan: Fair enough. Brady: Well, in the past the Mr. Brady during his Sophmore and Junior Year at CHS rules weren't followed, and just weren’t enforced. I hope If you look at the school board continue on to college or to follow the rules that should policy, you can see that we’re other CTE technical schools, have been followed all along. supposed to leave our elecand have students looking Donovan: Why choose CHS? tronics at home, but we know at career pathways that are Brady: I’m a Clovis guy. I’ve that kids aren’t going to do rewarding and that will set wanted to be at every level: elthat. them up for prosperity in their ementary, middle school, and Donovan: Right. future. high school and so that’s why. Brady: So, there is a practiDonovan: Alright, how do you I love CHS. It’s the flagship of cal use for education, but at feel about this year so far? the school district. the beginning and end of the Brady: You know, it’s not my Donovan: It's the flagship. day it’s policy that you’re not first time at this school, since I Literally, it’s an awesome flag, supposed to have them. So, attended as a sophmore and too. to clarify, if you’re texting, a junior. I’m learning as I go, Brady: Yeah Facebooking, Instagraming, and I feel this year has been Donovan: How do you feel Snapchatting, or doing anyproductive so far and will about each class? Sophothing else on your phone, then keep getting better. mores, Juniors, and Seniors. you're not paying attention to Donovan: Why did you beWhich one stands out? the teacher and there is no come an educator? Brady: Each one is so unique learning going on; furtherBrady: Good Question. Both because Sophomores are more, we are going to do folof my parents were killed just entering Clovis High low the policy so we can have when I was twelve when I School, Juniors are at that a safe school that is engaged moved out to Clovis, and it “almost point," and Seniors in learning, full of students tak- was a hard time for me. The see that light at the end of ing care of what they have to teachers in the middle schools the tunnel and have to start advance in their career pathand the teachers, as well as finalizing their decisions, and ways. the coaches here at the high move forward. So each one of Donovan: What do you plan to school helped me through this them has its own charm and