Important Dates

Our next meeting will be on October 22, 2009 in Mrs. Gautier's room (209) until 3:15. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Gautier or Justin Kiefer.

The week of October 5-9 is Spirit Week! Don't forget to show off your school colors!

On October 9, the biggest home football game of the year will commence. Don't miss a moment of it!

    The 2009-2010 school year has already offered new beginnings and it’s only September.  Not only do the freshmen have to find their way around the packed hallways, but a new addition to the staff does as well.  Upperclassmen won’t just find intimidated ninth graders roaming the school, but they will see the face of a new administrator: Mr. Christopher Halloran.  He was voted interim principal in late August, replacing Mrs. Lelia Pappas. 

            The former principal’s likings were split among the students, and most felt that she needed a deeper connection with the student body. Although Mr. Halloran has had no experience as principal or vice principal, according to The Express-Times, he has already made a positive impact on our school.  He seems extremely relaxed, comfortable in the new environment, and friendly towards all.

            A senior, Jamie Yount, said “You can get away with anything as long as you have a good reason,” when asked what he thought of Mr. Halloran. While that is very unlikely, the fact that students feel calm around him might even lower bad behavior.  In the past, students have acted out just to spite administrators, but many feel that this is not necessary this year.  Students also are very understanding of his newness to the position, and would not add more to his already overflowing plate.

            Mr. Halloran also seems to be very interested in student activity.  For example, he noticed students hard at work during the summer, in activities such as sports and student government.  In response to this, he thanked everyone at our first pep rally and led a student body appreciation round of applause.

“Mr. Halloran seems genuinely interested in all clubs and the general well being of the students at Belvidere,” one junior stated.  It is wonderful that being only three weeks into the school year students already appreciate their new administrator.

            It probably helps that he has two sons who have graduated or are currently attending Belvidere.  At Freshmen Orientation, he mentioned that he recognized many faces from coaching soccer in his hometown of White Township.  Therefore he is not really all that new to the school or the students, but being principal is a large job to fulfill. 

            For the rest of the year, Mr. Halloran needs to keep up his already excellent reputation.  Being actively interested in all clubs and organizations is really the best way for him to do this, since he can get to know students more and be seen by the student body.  A smile in the hallway brightens someone’s day as well, and one can always see him giving nice gestures in passing. As long as he is understanding of all misdemeanors and not bias, this year will go fantastically for all students.  We all know it is hard to be new in high school, and Mr. Halloran is adjusting quite well. So for the rest of the year: Good Luck!