Principal Schidrich discusses how he became an administrator and its challenges and excitements.

Even when he was in high school, Mr. Schidrich knew he wanted to be a teacher, “I enjoyed history and I enjoyed talking about it.” Unfortunately, a lot of his peers talked him out of it, and Mr. Schidrich decided to major in business at college instead. After realizing his distaste for the major, he started getting his masters at night school.

Before Mr. Schidrich became the principal at Hilton Head Island High School, he had many other teaching jobs. His first one was in New York. After working in New York, Mr. Schidrich moved to Hilton Head in 1999 and taught at the high school. While at HHIHS, Mr. Schidrich was a history teacher. He explored his love for the school community, “While I was a teacher here (HHIHS), for the most part I was the Department Head of Social Studies, so that’s where I became more of a leader at this school.” He continued, “I also was an IB teacher, specifically TOK (Theory of Knowledge), and I think that’s a main reason the committee made me principal, because of my IB background.” Mr. Schidrich also coached the baseball team for five years, and loved getting to know the students. He left HHIHS and became the assistant principal at a different school, “In 2012, I became the assistant principal at Bluffton Middle School, and I was there for seven years.” Mr. Schidrich then returned to HHIHS in 2019 to be the new principal.

There are many great things you get to experience as an educator. Principal Schidrich’s favorite thing is to interact with the students, “What makes my day is interacting with students.” Mr. Schidrich also talks about the difficulties of being a principal. He discusses how you can’t always give students and parents the classes they want.

Although it can be tough at times, Mr. Schidrich finds it hard to imagine what he would be if he wasn’t an administrator, “It’s hard to tell because I’ve been in education for about 26 years…but it would probably have something to do with athletics.”

Mr. Schidrich continues to work hard as principal of HHIHS and the school is excited to see where his leadership takes us.

Science is arguably one of the most important academic subjects and is viewed by many as the future of society. That is why Ms. Alexandria Mazur, a fantastic science teacher at Hilton Head Island High School (HHIHS), has such a critical job. She became a teacher because she “[likes] helping people understand things” and because she believes the future of the world relies on science. “I want to teach people about science and how to interpret it,” she explains, “because it affects decisions on a global scale. Too many issues and problems rely on hoping people understand science.”

In her free time, Ms. Mazur explores all nature has to offer. “I like to be outdoors when I can,” she discloses, “either hiking, walking, or kayaking.” The science teacher is also fond of taking photos along her adventures and looking into the unique components of different environments. One of her plans for 2021 is to go backpacking over the summer, “hopefully far away from any other people for several days.”

At the top of her list of her favorite things about working at HHIHS is “working with students on labs and other fun activities and projects.” But this semester has brought some challenges and they have put a damper on many of these types of assignments. With the Coronavirus causing regulations to arise about social distancing, many of these projects have had to be altered in some way or another to ensure they are done safely. That does not mean they are any less fun, just that they are a bit different.

Ms. Mazur is a wonderful teacher and really strives to teach her pupils all she can to prepare them for their future. While 2020 has proven a challenge for many, Ms. Mazur has done her best to rise above the obstacles in her way and instruct her students all she can, whether in person or through a computer screen.

Ms. Jennifer Regan is one of the fabulous art teachers at the Hilton Head Island High School (HHIHS). She teaches a few different classes and is back in school herself. She says that “I'm hoping to get my terminal degree in the commercial art field of Animation.” Ms. Regan is looking forward to bringing what she learns into the high school classroom. “I could even try to work on developing a 2D Animation course that still centers around the art of drawing, but adds the element of movement, which brings scenes and characters to life!”

The arts are some of the classes that have been hit the hardest by Covid-19. “Everything is different due to the CDC guidelines,” Ms. Regan explains, “and it's difficult to work around when many students would typically be sharing supplies, working together on projects, and having shared critiques.” Her typical lessons have changed, but Ms. Regan still teaches her classes with undeterred persistence. “I think overall I really enjoy the concept of sharing creative ideas and learning from others as well” the art teacher shares, and lists it as one of the reasons she became a teacher in the first place.

One of Ms. Regan’s favorite things about HHIHS is the environment of the school. She maintains that “the students and staff members have all been so helpful in my first years and I'm just truly grateful for the support that I have had.” She is especially grateful to Mrs. Smith, who teaches Media Arts. She insists that Mrs. Smith took “me under her wing” and was a big part of helping Ms. Regan get started working at HHIHS.

Before Ms. Regan began teaching, she practiced as a freelance illustrator and wanted to share what she learned about working in the professional world as an artist. In between her job at HHIHS and studying to get her terminal degree, Ms. Regan enjoys “drawing, painting, and trying to improve my digital art,” among other things. In 2021, she plans on practicing patience, being open minded, and flexible. In her words, “I think it's also important to keep in mind that the world is always adapting and ever changing, so what works today might have to change tomorrow.”

This year at Hilton Head Island High School, the classroom set up is a little different due to COVID.

Starting with any decorations made with paper have to be laminated, making it easier to clean. Ms. Spisz states, “I had to make everything 6 feet apart and I put bins for each student with 2 pencils, 2 pens and a highlighter.” This year Ms. Spisz did something new and put a board of inspirational quotes and different country flags.

Things that had to go from Ms. Spisz classroom was the mini library in her class, with COVID people can’t touch the books. Another thing was group work, she would have the desk in groups 4-6 students, but with the 6 feet rule, that could not happen this year.

Although this year has been difficult Ms. Spisz states, “I like having the 6 feet rule and I like having less students in class so I can teach more directly.”

With quarter two of Hilton Head Island High School underway, there is still much for the teachers and students to think about.

Ms. Spisz, the HHIHS Newspaper Production and English teacher, has many hopes and plans for the new quarter. “I think most teachers would like to eventually go back to five days a week with all students in class,” she begins, “I would like to see that happen.” Having all students return to a full week is the ideal goal of the school at the moment. Though, if the students were able to be in school at the same time safely and with Newspaper Production’s grammar and writing practice from Ms. Spisz, “[it would] make the editing process at the end of the quarter much easier for me, Ms. Karszes, Ms. Hartman, and Mr. Schidrich.”

With the students back at their desks, mask, and cleaning protocols are being carried out to the letter. “I hope that the cleaning of the classrooms/desks/restrooms etc. stays not just for the second quarter, but really forever,” Ms. Spisz comments. “I also hope the mask policy remains. It is very uncomfortable teaching in a mask, but with all the safety protocols in place and wearing a mask, I have been a lot healthier so far this school year.” With the masks and cleaning, illnesses have been lower than they would be without them. Any common bacteria or virus is quickly killed by the cleaning solution teachers use to keep the desks clean and sanitized, and the masks help protect the students and faculty from getting sick from each other. “I would rather power through the discomfort in exchange for keeping myself, my colleagues, and my students healthy.”

The students are still separated by A and B days. While some teachers await having every student in the school and in the classroom, Ms. Spisz remarks “I would love to have all students back in the classroom together, however, I am enjoying the separate smaller groups.” With the student numbers cut in half, the ability to help and work with a student is much easier than it would be with a full classroom. On Wednesdays, when everyone works from home, “It gives me a chance to do some instruction and give the students time to catch up.” The teachers can even get the most small and time consuming things, such as putting in grades, responding to emails, and working on reports, done in a more efficient way without worrying about interruptions from students.

If all students were to return to the classroom, the teachers would have to tweak some of their lesson plans so everyone can catch up and learn the same thing. Ms. Spisz has planned her lessons so at any moment, whether that is returning to e-learning, staying hybrid, or going to school five days a week, students can transition as smoothly as possible. She does not plan on changing the structure of her lessons and how they will be planned and executed. The lessons and how they are made are a relief to students, due to them being very clear, understandable, and easy to complete if one is out sick.

Even with all of the new challenges, there are things to be excited about. “I am most looking forward to the Model UN competition season, even if it is virtual,” she explains. The month of January through March holds the competitions, and she is excited to compete once more with her students. The school newspaper is also exciting, as it is a new elective and the students are working hard. She is excited to see how the second quarter newspaper will look.

Even though there is much to look forward to, there is also enough to worry about and do. One example for Ms. Spisz is the testing season at the end of the quarter. “A lot of students have testing anxiety, so there are extra things I have to do as a teacher to make students comfortable and ready for exams,” she explains. She will talk with students who need to have a conversation to help them lower their stress level, and she has anti-anxiety/anti-stress toys she can give students who are feeling anxious. She tries her best to help the students with testing, and will always be available to help.

With the second quarter in motion, there is much to prepare for, yet there are things teachers and students look forward to.

The staff at Hilton Head Island High School are significantly appreciated by the community. Mrs. Hartman, an English teacher, is a very important person and a great influence on many students here.

Mrs. Hartman is a teacher in the Ninth Grade Academy and typically teaches English I Honors, CP, and English II Honors, but due to virtual classes and the new hybrid schedule, she teaches English III CP and English I CP.

When asked what her favorite part about teaching English, Mrs. Hartman emphasizes that she loves and enjoys the content of the class. Two of her favorite pieces are Romeo and Juliet and Of Mice and Men. She says, “I enjoy hearing the students’ reactions to Of Mice and Men the first time they read it.” Mrs. Hartman also enjoys teaching freshmen because she gets to meet the students their first year of high school. “They are so young and nervous, and it is amazing to watch the transformation that occurs in them during their first year. Each year after, I get the pleasure of seeing them grow, not only as people, but as students as well.” She gets to witness the students graduate and gets to see how they have developed as Seahawks. She also mentions that she enjoys when former students visit her and share their experiences.

English is a key subject taught in every school. Mrs. Hartman says English is important for many reasons. She started with saying that it is important for everyone to be able to communicate in the language, whether it is through writing or speaking. Those skills are essential in life, whichever path you choose after school. Mrs. Hartman also concludes, “Literature is a way for us to experience life events vicariously. We can learn a lot about the way humans react to certain situations through literature. Reading and writing are invaluable to living a full, rich life!”

Mrs. Hartman shares that since she was a little girl she has always wanted to be a teacher. Eventually, growing up, she wanted to work in an in-patient rehab facility for teens. A quarter into college, she realized it was not for her, and turned back to teaching. This was another way to nurture and help young people. During her college breaks, she was lucky enough to substitute for Beaufort County Schools, which helped her know what age and subject she wanted to teach.

For everyone, this year has been different and challenging. Mrs. Hartman usually teaches a hands-on class with group discussions and project work, but Covid-19 has made all of this impossible. Students are learning, but in a different way due to the circumstances.

Mr. Dumais, an English teacher at Hilton Head Island High School, discusses his goals for the upcoming quarter and end of the semester.

Every teacher has different goals for the upcoming quarter, whether that it is revolving around students or the teachers themselves. It is important to accomplish these goals and have plans to achieve them. According to Mr. Dumais, “My goal is to make sure that my students are able to communicate effectively.” Mr. Dumais says that his plan to achieve this goal is, “reminding my students that communication is an essential skill.” Communication is an essential skill, especially communication with teachers. If a student needs help on an assignment or needs an extended deadline, the best thing to do is communicate with teachers.

Mr. Dumais does not have a very different way of approaching Quarter 2. Mr. Dumais states, “Not really, just making sure things are adaptable just in case the learning environment changes during the quarter.” Making sure things are adaptable is crucial to learning, especially if the learning environment changes. If things are not adaptable, complications may appear.

Some teachers may want to try different techniques or methods of teaching compared to Quarter 1, just to see how things will go. Some teachers may want things to stay the same. Mr. Dumais says, “currently, I’m still exploring interactive assignments so I would like to continue to focus on that.” Some classes may react differently to changes, so making sure that changes are effective and successful whether in a learning environment or in different environments is very important. According to Mr. Dumais regarding his current classes, “I think they will appreciate it just because filling out a Google Form or a Google Doc can be boring and redundant for students.”

Q. What are your favorite things about being a guidance counselor?

1. According to Ms. Dopson, “I love assisting students with reaching their full potential. I believe that if you just take time to listen you will hear the unspoken.” She stated, “Students must be able to relate to how their learning in high school is relevant to everyday life. When that connection is made it’s like a light bulb goes off and you can see the glow. This brings me joy.” Ms. Dopson also mentioned, “I am an advocate for students and can collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, and the overall community to improve students’ learning environment.”

Q. What exactly do guidance counselors do?

1. Ms. Dopson says, “Our official title has changed from guidance counselors to school counselors. As school counselors, we provide academic, career, and social/emotional services to all students as it pertains to the needs of the population we serve. In addition, we provide services to parents, school staff, and the community.”

Q. What is your favorite thing about Hilton Head Island High School?

1. Ms. Dopson responded, “The School Counseling staff and support team. They have welcomed me with open arms and made my transition seamless. The other thing would be the uniqueness of parental support at HHIHS. PTSO is awesome!”

Q. What are some things you do to relax?

1. Some things Ms. Dopson does to relax are to, “Spend time with my family (especially grandchildren), watch football and basketball. I also like to read to stay abreast of current events.

Q. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

1. “I decorate after Thanksgiving and my children, their spouses, and grandchildren come over for Christmas dinner and we exchange presents,” Ms. Dopson mentioned.

Coach Brown teaches Physical Education at Hilton Head Island High School and coaches basketball. He enjoys both because they are relatively similar, and being able to teach people about his favorite sport and the life lessons that come along with it.

Teaching PE required a degree of Bachelor in Science in Physical Education. Doing both basketball and teaching PE gives him help with the organization of things and the development of players and how to lift people up when they are down. Coach Brown has the ability to learn about the student and their individual skills. People like Coach Brown because he focuses more on the student rather than the goal of himself.

He offers a class that does not make everyone bored and rather finds a way to teach things with common games and the rules along with them. You can learn about different sports and the lessons that come along with them. Such as soccer giving you better footwork.

Coach Brown is a gym teacher at Hilton Head Island High School. Coach Brown really enjoys teaching his students because he can help them and he can see what a positive impact he has on them. Coach Brown enjoyed playing sports when he was younger and he still likes playing sports now.

Coach Brown graduated from Hilton Head Island High School and he wanted to give back to the community by teaching at the school. Coach Brown states, “I graduated from HHIHS and wanted to give back to the community that helped shape who I am today.”

Coach Brown started teaching not because he was not inspired by a teacher but because his experience of teaching inspired him. Coach Brown stated, “I wouldn’t say any person inspired me to become a teacher, but my experience is what inspired me to teach.”

Coach Brown's favorite part about teaching the gym class is the social aspect of the class and letting students interact with each other and learn communication and cooperation skills. Coach Brown says, “I enjoy the social aspect of the class. There are more opportunities for students to interact with each other. So, skills like cooperation, communication, as well as many others are very important.”

Coach Brown’s love for sports and youth made him want to start teaching the gym class at Hilton Head Island High School. Coach Brown also liked to play the sport basketball.

Coach Brown also said that if he did not teach the gym class at Hilton Head Island High School he would not know what to teach but he knows it would be something hands-on. Coach Brown also said that if he did not teach gym he would probably build houses. Coach Brown stated, “Not really sure, but something hand on.” and “I like so many things! Probably building or creating houses.”

Coach Brown is also said that he is proud of the impact he has on his students but he also said that there is always room to do better. It is also Coach Brown’s 6th year at Hilton Head Island High School. Coach Brown also said that everyday is a learning experience and that he has learned so many things because of his experience of teaching.

At this point, a quarter of the year has gone by, and new teachers as well as new students, are adjusting. Miss. Brotemarkle is a new teacher at Hilton Head Island High School this year. She teaches Biology. She got the job through a flyer and decided to apply and now she is teaching at Hilton Head Island High School (HHIHS).

Biology class is about the cells and other living things. As she states, “The class is rewarding.” Any teacher can understand that when students understand and enjoy the material, it is like getting a reward for the lesson that they just taught the kids. She claims that she enjoys teaching a lot more than she thought that she would. She has also began getting to know the students more.

Mrs. Smith, an art teacher at Hilton Head Island High School, talks about the arts at the school. She currently teaches Media Art (Digital Art) and IB Visual Art.

1. What type of art class do you teach?

Media Art (Digital Art), Art Appreciation, IB Visual Art, Drawing, Painting

2. Why did you pick this profession and class?

Teaching is not my first profession. Frankly it wasn’t my second or third either. I graduated with a BFA in Art History and firmly believed I would be working in a museum and/or teaching at a college. I worked at a University Museum for two years as their Registrar. After that I moved into using my art skills in Corporate America where they trained me to fix computers and be the IT administrator for the Marketing Associates. Then I gave it all up to stay home and raise my kids for 12 years. It was at this time that my friends pointed out I was “always teaching” kids to draw wherever I went and that I should get my license, so I could be paid for it. I was originally hired to teach Drawing and did so for my first 2 years at HHIHS. Ms. O’Nan found out about my computer knowledge and asked me to build the Media Arts program. I have been teaching and expanding the Media Art program ever since.

3. Why do you think it’s important for art to be incorporated into student’s lives and education?

Besides the fact that we are living in the most visual society recorded, art provides a means of expression that is therapeutic. There is a reason adult coloring books are so popular. The ability to work out one’s emotions through the arts has been proven to aid mental health. Many of my students have a heavy course loads and frequently refer to my class as their “art therapy”. The arts help students develop creative-problem-solving skills, teach the basics of design necessary for presentations, boost critical thinking, connect to their own culture and provide varying perspectives for how we see the world. As the mural outside my door says, “Earth without art is eh.”

4. How are the art classes at HHIHS different from other school’s art classes?

Coming from Minnesota, I was initially surprised by how many art teachers there are in one high school. In Minnesota we were lucky to have one full-time art teacher per high school. The fact that we have four in the visual arts is truly a treasure for our students. Because we have four, we can specialize within our chosen mediums. We are fortunate to have so many media-specific levels which allows for more in depth exploration. Also, to the best of my knowledge, no other Visual Arts class has their own lab of computers with Adobe Creative Cloud. Thanks to our continued support from Administration, we have two labs between Photography and Media Art.

5. What is your favorite part about teaching your class?

It sounds cliché but it really is the students that are my favorite part of teaching. Making art with them is the best. They challenge me when I am stuck in my own creative rut. They remind me that the world changes and I need to change with it. They keep me young or feeling younger anyway. The paperwork, routines and such can be a major drag, but one joke from a student, one surprise success or lightbulb moment makes me come back again and again. To steal a quote from Forrest Gump, students are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.

Amy Morrissette, also known as Nurse Amy is the school nurse for Hilton Head Island High School. She helps all kids in the school who feel ill and even more so now with Covid-19 in the air. She states, “I really love connecting with the students and being an adult that kids can count on and feel comfortable coming to.”.

Shockingly, before she was a school nurse she was actually a client relationship manager in the financial field. Nurse Amy states, “I have a bachelor's degree in finance and was a client relationship manager in the financial field before getting married.” You may be wondering, how did she become a nurse if she was in the financial field? Well Nurse Amy says, “Once I got married and had a baby, I wanted a career that would allow me to also be home more. I went back and got a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Northeastern University.” She then says how she became a “float” nurse at a hospital in Massachusetts. Float nurses get to go to all of the different units in the hospital. She states, “it was a great learning experience!” Later on she started to be a substitute nurse at middle schools in Massachusetts. She loved it a lot and wanted to be a full time school nurse. She left the hospital and became a school nurse.

Nurse Amy has worked really hard to get here and her work has paid off. The students feel comfortable around her and the school enjoys having her help and support.