"The way we do at school."

This is a picture of Garrett, my four-year old son, taken at the home football game against CCS.  While I do think it's an adorable picture, that's not why I'm posting it on this blog.  It's what happened right before I snapped this shot that's the real story behind this sweet photo.  Let me back up a bit.

  

If you've ever been to a BBS home football game (in the past decade, that is), you are probably aware of the "Spirit Tunnel" formed on the field for the Buccaneers to enter the "battle arena" in style.  I can't imagine the opposing team not being totally intimidated by this awesome showcase.  It's the highlight of each game for many an elementary boy and girl.  Garrett, of course, must be a part of the spirit tunnel, but is still a little afraid of going out there by himself.  (Have you seen how big some of our players are?  Try being 42" tall and having those giants run by you.)  In fear that he would be squished, squashed, or worse, I accompanied him, hand-in-hand, onto the field to be a part of the tradition. 

While we were lined up waiting on the team to enter, the announcement came from the press box to please stand for the invocation.  I leaned over to Garrett and told him it was time for a prayer.  He promptly yanked his hand from mine and said, 

"I have to pray the way we do at school."  

I couldn't help myself...I had to take a picture during the prayer.  The Lord completely understands.

What a beautiful statement:  "I have to pray the way we do at school."  

How many parents in this country would love to hear that statement from their children?  

How many never will because their children don't have a Boyd-Buchanan School or one like it?

  

My four-year-old reminded me that humid evening why I value BBS so much.  

I'm thankful for "the way we do at school".

Renee Hood

                    

Principal Matters: Who Am I?

Even though I am beginning my twentieth year as an employee at Boyd-Buchanan, I thought it a good idea to do an introductory biography of myself in my first year as high school principal.  I'm not sure if any of the information I provide will be valuable to any of you, but it should give you an idea of what BBS means to me.

I was born and raised in Chattanooga.  I think Chattanooga is one of the best and most beautiful places on earth with many of the best people on earth. Quite a few of these best people on earth work at BBS, attend BBS, send their kids to BBS, or once attended BBS.

I came to BBS as a frizzy-haired, huge plastic glasses-wearing, fifth grader in 1979.  (I would insert a picture here, but I think I've destroyed them all.)  Before my parents brought my sister and me to BBS, I had never even heard of the school.  I wasn't unhappy at my public elementary school, but my parents wanted an environment where Christian principles could be applied to every academic subject and where Bible was taught every day.  My first teacher at BBS was June Bowling, and fifth grade still ranks as my favorite year of school.

I worked hard as a student at Boyd-Buchanan.  My parents had reasonable expectations for me, but I had very high expectations of myself.  There were many times I disappointed myself, but my parents have never been disappointed in me as a student.  I knew how hard they worked to send my sister and me to BBS, so I tried to say thank you by doing my best.  I truly valued being at Boyd-Buchanan and, every now and then, I say thank you to my parents for the sacrifice they made.  I'm sure they never tire of hearing it...and they would do it all over again.

I played every sport they would let girls play while a student at Boyd-Buchanan. Some of the best experiences of my life happened representing BBS on a court or a field. Some of the best friends I've ever had (and still have) were my teammates. I was an average athlete, but I loved playing with all I had for my school and my team. I was even a member of the first Boyd-Buchanan team to win a state championship:  the 1987 Lady Bucs softball team. Throughout my time playing sports at BBS we lost much more than we won, but the lessons I learned through school athletics have given me victory after victory in life.

In 1992, I joined the BBS teaching staff.  I was overwhelmed with how hard the job of teaching really is.  It took a few years to find the balance I needed to feel confident and competent in the classroom.  I planned to teach until I retired, died, or got my dream job as a tour guide at the Smithsonian.  The moments in my classroom over the past nineteen years when students made me laugh, inspired me, made me want to pull my hair out, awed me, and, especially, when they found a love for social studies that made us kindred spirits will never be forgotten. 

I never saw myself in the role of principal and I will truly miss being in the classroom.  I love my new position, but I'm humbled by the huge responsibility it carries.  Here are some of the things I've learned at Boyd-Buchanan that will help guide me in the position of high school principal:
*If students know you love them and care about their futures, they'll do just about anything for you.  I learned early in my teaching career that building relationships with students is really what it's all about.   
*Boyd-Buchanan is very much like a family.  Some students can't wait to "leave home".  Many students grieve the loss of this place when they leave.  They continue to come "back home" to see the people who made an impact on their lives.  It never ceases to amaze the teachers how many graduates continue to show up when they no longer have to...they just want to.  We have frequent "family reunions". 
*People at BBS pray for one another...and it works.  I've seen many amazing things happen in the lives of our students, parents, and teachers over the years.  When someone at BBS says they are praying for you, they mean it.

I am truly honored to have been chosen for this position.  I know that God has blessed this school and I am only a small part of it's past, present, and future.  I am excited to do whatever I can to make BBS an even more amazing place.  With the wonderful staff, students, parents, and alumni that love this school as much as I do, the best is surely yet to come.  I'm just happy to be a part of it.

--Renee Hood--