On Mar. 16, BVH introduced a new face as the Assistant Principal of Student Activities–Courtney Petersen. As the former AP at Chula Vista High School (CVH), Petersen has begun her journey at BVH. Having four years of experience as an AP, Petersen is excited to apply it to BVH and understand the system.
“People have been super welcoming. It was a big change for me, and Bonita as well, but it has been good. The ASB students have all been super helpful and I know it has been hard with the switch, but they have done a nice job of supporting me,” Petersen said.
The AP of ASB is a significant role for BVH and other schools as it ensures and creates the high school experience many students seek. Principal Dr. Alexander Salazar meets with Petersen on a daily basis to communicate the goals and needs of the school to ensure all students have a successful high school experience.
“[When] bringing in a new AP, there are considerations made around experience and if someone who has worked with sports and academics,” Dr. Salazar said.
When debating on who should take over the position, the district’s responsibility is to identify the best fit for any given school.. ASB President and senior Sophia Cisneros explains the dedication and the factors an advisor needs for all students to have a successful school experience.
“What makes a good ASB AP is someone open to new ideas, [who] will listen to their students and appears around them [students]. As well as prioritizing the overall well-being of ASB and the students a part of it,” Cisneros said.
Cisneros, a four-year ASB member, is excited to see Petersen in action. Petersen, who previously taught English for nine years at Hilltop High, finds excitement in blending the classroom and leadership roles to help bring BVH to life.
“My favorite thing is the students. There are, unfortunately, days where I am in meetings [and] do not get to see them,” Petersen said. “Even though I miss the classroom, it is a blend with its leadership roles. I am still rooted with students and I get to be a part of their day to day. I enjoy this position because ultimately, the work the students do in ASB helps shape the memories of students in schools.”
As a senior, Cisneros still hopes and goals that Petersen will provide for ASB and BVH. Petersen’s engagement and presence with students, especially those in ASB, has already made her stand out as an AP.
“I hope to see a leader who is always there for her students and can provide new insight and learning techniques that we have not seen before. I hope that she knows how much potential BVH has at school and for ASB. We have already accomplished so much, but can definitely improve in some aspects and I hope that she can take it to the next level,” Cisneros said.
Through meetings, Salazar prioritizes Petersen as a new staff member, who is understanding her responsibilities and expectations. These meetings allow her to understand and prepare herself for any difficulties that might be encountered as well as her learning more about the position and what it means for BVH.
“I meet with her daily [and] I communicate with her outside of school to ensure she understands her position We do this to ensure she is aware of the priorities and to make sure is on track to make her role as AP and Bonita,” Salazar said
In the short amount of time that Petersen has been here, she has already been performing exceptionally well according to Cisneros. Having a strong leader in ASB allows the students to feel more open and welcome to share their needs and wants, while also getting their ideas across. Petersen ensures all students get their voices heard while also meeting the demands of parents and staff members.
“Her ability to communicate with others and see both sides of the story [is something] that is a huge standout. She is very put together and organized in a manner that ASB has not seen before. It will implement new and more organized ways to the school and ASB as a whole,” Cisneros said.
A huge standout for Petersen so far is her organization and readiness. Having an AP in ASB is crucial in making sure that they are providing the needs of not only the students but the staff and parents
“I do not know everybody yet, so it is hard when students or staff ask me a question that I would know easily at CVHbut I still have to figure out at BVH. I hope what I bring to Bonita is t events that are memorable to all Barons, and I think the job of ASB is to make them as inclusive and inviting as possible. I believe that every student should have access and want to be there. I want them to have the opportunity to try something even if they do not like it,” Petersen said
Although Petersen has been working with this position for a few years, there is still some difficulty coming to a new school due to the different procedures and systems that each school does differently. Nonetheless, Petersen is overjoyed with continuing her position here on campus and being a part of the opportunities that are awaiting her here at BVH.
“I like working with high school students because they are almost adults, but they are still able to be coached up, are open minded and they want to do the right thing. I like the energy they bring and their excitement. These are formative years and they have a lot of opportunities in front of them, so I like to be a part of those opportunities. It is my hope that when they think of high school they remember events and things that happened that I was a part of,” Petersen said.
