The second semester of each school year is always presented as an opportunity for students to start out with a clean slate. Lessons from first semester have been learned and new classes are assigned. All major changes seem to have been adjusted to.

But before this year’s transition, we decided to speak with Carolyn Means to see how her time at West Rowan High School has been so far.

Overall she is very pleased with our school. She says that the teachers have been very courteous and supportive, and she is thankful for all of those who have been well behaved. Upon arrival, her expectations were based on what she had read previously about West Rowan.

“I was told that the students here were very academically inclined, and that seems to be true. And we seem to have a good productive staff,” she said.

Means is very ambitious about her future here. She strives to reach the goal of “School of Excellence” which we haven’t received since 1991. She also feels that our campus is in need of an update.

The ideas proposed on modernizing our facility include cameras inside and out (for security reasons), expanding for the purpose of removing classrooms above the cafeteria, and possibly a new stadium area.

When asked about removing the mobile units, Means explained that without them, our school could only accommodate about 900-1,000 people. Since approximately 1,200 students are expected to be enrolled next year, removing them wouldn’t be practical. But updates are in mind for the mobiles. Work could most likely begin this summer.

Support during the big switch to our school is not lacking from Means’ personal or business life. Her husband comes to some of the home games, and her son is planning a visit since Means’ schedule doesn’t allow for much family time. Often times they make a point to reassure her when her long days wear her out.

Means’ husband has been understanding about time that they haven’t been able spend together due to her hours spent at school--frequently from 6:15am until around 11:30 at night. Faculty members at West have been cooperative by comparing old policies to the new and helping Means change things for the better.

Just to dispel a few rumors still being heard, Means wants everyone to know that she is happy here and ISN’T LEAVING. When she first heard the rumor of her leaving she even e-mailed the superintendent to let her know that she had no intentions of resigning her position here.

Also, prom is definitely still on. Means enjoyed the 2006-2007 school years’ Military Ball and Winter Semi-Formal so much that she is excited to see how prom will turn out. She would like to plan a Spring Fling in the genre of a carnival to clear everyone’s heads before second semester exams.

With a very positive attitude and bright outlook on upcoming times at our school, Means concludes that she is proud of how first semester has gone, no matter how rocky the beginning was. She will continue to strive for West’s true best: a school of excellence.