Preston N. McKnight, new principal at the Daniel Boone High School, believes and spoke of a positive and successful school future at four energy-filled “meet and greet” sessions on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Approximately 25 to 30 people attended each of the two community meetings, as well as the presentations for music and also for athletics.
McKnight is the high school’s new principal following Thomas Hankel’s retirement resignation, effective Feb. 27.
He is currently director of curriculum at the Phoenixville Area School District.
Although not scheduled to begin working full-time until April 1, McKnight said he is in the high school part-time meeting teacheers and students and working on a school analysis of “what we do well.”
“It’s a very good high school — how do we maximize that?”
“I will tell the community next spring of our progress,” said McKnight, adding, “By the end of year one, students and parents will begin to see the beginning of the pathways.”
He is currently developing a five-year plan that includes pathways for all students.
“We’re here to help kids find out what they’re passionate about,” said McKnight, “We need to build special opportunities for kids to have a great experience.”
McKnight’s five-year plan is aimed at increasing student prestige, the performing arts, growth, integrated learning, athletic performance, and high academic performance.
“People say we can’t make this symbol mean all these things, but we can. The school district’s rating is already a B — at 84 percent — and students’ SAT scorers are high.”
He said building the Daniel Boone brand — and transforming Daniel Boone to “The ONE” — must begin with the students and helping them decide what they are passionate about and where they excel.
“We need to create pathways for kids to do these things — to connect academically, with developmental programming, regional and national partnerships, and by increasing our profile.”
For music students, he said that includes creating pathways for students to engage in music at every opportunity, provide them with developmental programming, to grow and extend regional and national music partnerships, and also develop a high profile for them musically.
One aspect to that will be to integrate school spirit via the music program, and also create a “legacy program” by bring alumni groups back to the district.
One parents said music students and parents want the music program to receive the same respect that is given to the sports program.
District Superintendent Marybeth Torchia said the marching band will be permitted to attend “away” football games.
She said the “away game” attendance will not be mandatory but the “away game” attendance will be determined by the students at the beginning of the season.
McKnight said the same concepts will also work for athletes: building pathways, programming, growing and extending regional and national partnerships, developing a high degree of school sports and profile for athletes, as well as a legacy program.
“It’s a problem to tell kids that they can’t run track,” said McKnight. “At Phoenixville, there is a “no cut” policy. It’s about providing opportunities for every kid.”
He also wants to implement student athletic mentoring for grades kindergarten and up.
“How will we get to be The ONE?”
“Through rigorous, relevant, and consistent programming, enhanced and diverse growth opportunities, and with equitable access. The three things that will never change are making all students eligible for post secondary opportunities, growing all students, and maximizing the potential of each student.”
“We also have to change the culture with the teachers — not ahead of the teachers.”
Some parents said their energy has depleted over the years with the “constant threat of losing elementary band and building closures.”
“Our work is about picking up the pieces that are left and carrying on — how to do things differently,” said McKnight, adding, “If you bring a problem, be prepared to present a solution.”
McKnight said he will likely be at the high school full time by March 16.
He plans to meet with each high school grade separately, adding that each grade has different motivators and expectations.
