Not Your Ordinary Principal: An Inside Look At Mr. Reeves

 

The pride of R.A.Long runs deep through the halls of the school, but not just with students. This year, we have Mr. Reeves, a returning alumnus with high hopes for this coming school year. Once a teacher at Monticello, and graduate of ’86, our principal is making his mark on the school yet again.

One of many of Reeves’ goals and the most important to him is establishing relationships with the student body.

“Everything starts with relationships…its important to be approachable.” Said Reeves.

“Student accomplishment is the number one priority,” Said Reeves, explaining the most important tasks of the principal. “You have to be able to walk the talk, if you say its number one priority, you have to be consistent.”

Consistency flows throughout all of principal Reeves’ responses, proving building relationships is truly an important task for him. “I see it as the end of my career not being defined as the number of plaques on my wall, but the success of the students I’ve come in contact with.” Said Reeves.

“Something I would be proud of is of the 225 seniors enrolled, that 225 of them walk at graduation.” Said Reeves, set on tackling the dropout issue and turning the image of RAL around.

A true Longview citizen, Reeves taught at Columbia Heights for a year, and at Monticello for ten, before switching over to assistant principal and principal for nine years altogether at McLoughlin Middle School.

 He was born and raised in Longview, on Lilac St. particularly. He has a daughter at MM strictly due to zoning, and a third grader set on being a Lumber Jill.

Reeves has fond memories of attending RAL, and according to Chris Fritch, a fellow graduate, “He was an outstanding student.” Said Fritch.

 “ He was well liked by all the peer groups and wasn’t really cliquey.” Said Linda Hawn, a district administrator.

We are all excited to see the changes he makes, and how his first year turns out.