No matter how much pleading students have done for just a few more days of summer, it has come to an end. Old and new faces arrive at Terrace as the year begins. This brings exciting things, like new schedules and classes, and fun introductions. There has also been adjustments made to the school itself that will be a lovely change. This school has been waiting since 1991 to cool down its hot summers and regulate the temperatures that brings a lot of sweaty teens. Especially after a gym class – no one wants to deal with that. The brick building quickly becomes a pizza oven in the summer and an igloo in the cold winters. The stuffy classrooms needed better airflow than sad fans set up around the place could provide.
With the brand new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System (HVAC system), students may finally get some relief. It won’t be running all the time (for economic reasons), but the months of work over the summer have paid off. Although it threw a wrench in the plans for some clubs and activities that take place while school is out of session, the outcome justifies the sacrifice. The first phase of these ventilation upgrades began last year with the addition of boilers, heat pumps, and water heaters. On the MTHS website, the updates on the HVAC system have brought ease and excitement. Especially with the resulting energy efficiency bringing the school into compliance with the Clean Buildings Act. Better air quality and decent temperatures can only improve the overall studying atmosphere, so students don’t melt under the combination of pressure and heat!
The HVAC system isn’t all that’s new! Yet again, we have a new principal and assistant principal. While not new to the district, David Friedle is the new principal. With two assistant principals, Rosemarie Burke (returning) and Margaret (Peggy) Aguilar (new). There have been several adjustments to the staff for this year as many beloved staff left last year to retire or move on. New students may be missing out, but the legacy they left is still strong. It’s up to us to provide a warm welcome to all as we begin this new chapter at MTHS.
While discussing the new school year and his arrival, Principal David Friedle said, “Mountlake Terrace has a reputation for being extraordinary, and I want to be a part of it.”
Hearing that is definitely an ego boost! He isn’t wrong though, the school has a long history of being anything but ordinary in many of its pursuits. He mentioned again that a big thing schools tend to struggle with is showcasing all of the great things that occur around the many pockets of the community. With more than 1500 students it’s not easy to capture it all, but hopefully this new year is a start to showing off the achievements of the student body from a more inclusive approach. Beyond the the easily visible high level awards or sports recognition, he wants to embrace the unseen victories. From beautiful murals to the comeback of the choir program, every section of the school has a win to share. Principal Friedle wants to let all of those interests flourish. His background in CTE, jazz and journalism, as well as his time in the district has led him to have more insight than most into uplifting others.
“We need to know everybody by story, strength, and need,” said Friedle. “It takes time and energy, but its important.”
In the history of MTHS we have had plenty of principals. Since the new building opened in 1993 we have had a total of six, now seven principals. The longest this school has held a principal was 14 years with Greg Schwab, and of those seven only one was a women who left in 1997. At least four of those principals were first assistant principals to their predecessor. Crosby was one that broke the pattern of hiring from within the district. Time serving as principal at Mountlake Terrace has ranged from 1-5 years per principal before there was yet another switch over to a new head, with only one outlier – Greg Schwab. Schwab now serves as one of our district superintendents and can be seen around the building in that role.
Schwab’s strongest legacy was in the community he fostered. Principal Friedle seems to have the heart and mindset that could have the staying power to leave a similar impact.
There are still many mysteries to tackle this year.
For example: Why is it so easy to forget locker combinations?
Where all the lost pens and earbuds?
Why is it so nerve-wracking when a teacher calls on you in class?
One of the biggest mysteries every year is what icebreakers will teachers torture their classes with. Students either love or hate them.
Is there truly any way to make icebreakers less awkward? Some are entertaining, like trying to make groups based on shoes or really competitive bingo. But, they all require energy. Energy that majority of students can’t muster that early in the morning.
Gathering a ton of tired teens in the first few weeks of school and forcing them to interact can fail fast. So is there a way to prevent that failure? Is it entirely dependent on the group of people that is being worked with? Perhaps it’s the ice breaker itself.
Does a motivator such as candy or a prize need to be involved to get any engagement at all, or are students so reluctant that it won’t matter either way?
Similar to the shift of how willing students are to participate in school spirit, the motivation to interact or put any energy into school at all seems to be decreasing with each new batch of students. That brings to question, how is the system failing these kids, and how can they fix it? Is it just a side effect of the COVID-19 years?
Maybe this is something that’ll solve itself as freshmen grow closer to graduation, and we can only hope the newly initiated phone policy will bring more engagement.
On another note, walking in on icebreakers remains incredibly entertaining. People throwing around a random ball and nearly knocking a pot over, trying to do the strangest team Kahoot, musical chair chaos, just to name a few.
Many have born witness to the fun icebreakers can be when there is enough engagement. At the end of the day, the real secret solution is just getting involved. It’s temporary, a class that lasts less than an hour, and early-year shenanigans aren’t forever. Have fun with it, it won’t bring any harm.
