Interview with Mr. Bender

In this article, I interviewed our new principal, Mr. Bender, and asked him questions about school and his personal life. This will help you to get to know him even better since this year we have not been able to do as many things as we used to in years prior.

How was the transition into a new school system during COVID-19?

The transition into a new school system during COVID-19 has been incredibly challenging. I started this position on July 1st and I was attracted to this community by hearing and knowing many positive things about it. The interview process I went through was before the pandemic. I remember getting a question about how I would handle COVID-19 in a school system at the time and thinking that it was a strange question. Never did I think I was going to start a new job in a school that would have to manage the learning environment and balance that with safety. I’m really about forming relationships with students and it has been really hard in this environment. We had to rethink how we were going to manage education and how to prioritize the students experience and safety issues. I also wasn’t familiar with the school and how some things were run. But I had so many great supporters from the administration and parents. They were all so understanding and welcomed me so nicely into this community. Looking back on it now, it was a testament to working together as a group to support each other and give feedback to come to the best possible solution in this challenging time. There was so much anxiety and concerns going around as well as lots of differing opinions during the summer which was difficult to balance.

What is something positive that came out of starting a new job during COVID-19?

Through it all I really got to know the staff more than I probably would have in a different year just through the summertime alone. I also got to see all the support from the community throughout the summer. A lot of people were there to help me manage a new school and try to get the school ready for entering in the fall. Throughout it all the parents were very flexible and understanding. Looking back there were a lot of silver linings through this challenging situation. The first day of school was such a tremendous relief. It was finally back to supporting the students who were walking in the building. It was inspiring, happy, and it marked a huge milestone for me.

What are some of the differences between the Wellesley school system and Norwell school system?

Each town and community have a level of uniqueness, pride, and respect. There’s a spirit and camaraderie that I’m really excited to be a part of here at Norwell. I knew that in the interview process and even in these crazy times I have seen the support and spirit. I know it will explode even more once we get back to more normal things. In these different schools, Wellesley was slightly more urban and over twice the size. It was close to 1,600 students and although I loved my experience there I really like feeling that I’m a part of the fabric of the school community. I like to know as many people and have as many relationships as I can. Norwell is more tight knit and to be a part of something where you can get to know more people and feel a greater sense of community is awesome.

What motivated you to want to be a school principal?

I was an assistant principal for many years prior to where I am now. I love trying to build a structure and learning environment that is as good as it possibly can be for students. Through having all the experiences I have had, I knew I could have a greater impact with students by being a principal. I wanted to work with the visions that I've gotten through my career to develop the most ideal learning environment that is supportive for all students. Also, to be able to create something that can be a special high school that will give people not only a foundation of learning and education but an experience that they will never forget.

What college did you go to?

I went to Boston University. My father actually taught there and I grew up in Newton, MA which was super close to campus. It was so helpful to be able to take the train easily back and forth. It was nice to have easy access for home cooked meals and laundry. Boston University is a college that provides a great education and it is just a great place to go to school.

Did you play any sports in high school or college?

No, I did not play a sport in college although I wish I did. In high school, I played 3 sports including soccer, basketball, and baseball. I was very involved in sports from a young age all the way through my high school years.

What did you do before coming to Norwell?

Before coming to Norwell, I was a guidance counselor and then I was, for a period of time, the department lead. I then became an assistant principal because I really wanted to work with more students and to form as many good relationships with students as I could. All the things I’ve done have a common theme of forming relationships with students as well as creating structures inside of a school to best support students both in learning and in social and emotional development. In each of my roles I’ve moved on to the next one with a greater aspiration to help more students.

What is a highlight about Norwell High School, staff, and students you have observed so far?

The students here at NHS are incredibly nice, welcoming, outgoing, and friendly. You don’t see things like that in every environment. There is something really special about the environment, culture, and spirit even though some of it is in a muted way due to COVID-19 this year. The willingness to help out even in the light of all the challenges to wear masks and not to be upset about it is inspiring. Following guidelines and some new instructions is hard and challenging but as a school everyone has been so positive about it. Students and staff are happy, flexible, and willing to go along with all this craziness.

What are some things you like to do outside of school?

I really love exercising and challenging myself including biking, running, etc. but the majority of my time I really enjoy spending with my three daughters. We have all different types of adventures together. I love hiking with them, watching them during sports activities, and just having different family experiences with them. I also love traveling with my family. Something simple like going on road trips is a way to bond but also a way to have a different experience that’s memorable.

What would the students be surprised to find out about you?

When I was a junior in high school I made a bad choice to miss one of my classes. I had a very firm talking to by the principal when I walked back into the school. I think at times people make mistakes and that is okay. I learned from that experience and grew as a person from it. I tell you this because I believe that our high school years are a time in life and a place where we are constantly learning about who we are as a person. We all make mistakes in life, but what defines us is how we grow as a person as a result of our missteps. I like to see the High School as a supportive environment that helps us learn from our choices in life and celebrates our successes. I want to be a principal who creates an environment where we support you through your challenging learning experiences and gives you the skills to manage these situations in your adult life to allow you to be the best possible version of yourself.

If you could take the students on a trip anywhere in the world during a non covid year, where would you take them?

I've been on a few really amazing trips throughout my time working in schools. I went on a trip to Disney where the band and choir went to perform. One funny part of that trip was that we were concerned about students leaving their rooms in the middle of the night so we tried to tape the hotel doors of the students so they wouldn’t leave their rooms in the middle of the night. If they did the tape would be broken and we would have known they left their room. The whole hotel was filled with high school students from all over the world. Although, one night the students outsmarted us and took the tape off of every door so we couldn't tell who left. I also went on an art trip to Morocco and Spain. Spain was awesome, there was lots of traveling and sightseeing. We went to Spain after Morocco was extra special. The culture was so different and having the experience to see the influence of Moroccan culture in Spain was incredible. The different cultures between every city in Spain and Morocco was also so amazing to experience. I would love to bring Norwell students on a trip similar to that one. I feel like any cultural experience or trip that broadens our perspective of the world and immerses ourselves in a different culture is a really incredible opportunity. Any trip where students get to have a more global perspective is something really special. Another aspect to this is that not only do I love for young people to have that experience but the relationships you form on those trips is equally as rewarding as experiencing a different culture. The bonding and self growth that can occur on these trips is equally as rewarding.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

I would love to be able to read people’s minds. I like to know the severity of situations and it would provide me with good feedback. I am a person who loves to help people and when I look at this year with students wearing masks it’s hard to read people. It would be really helpful to know how to best help people in different situations. In this year more than ever if I could read people’s minds I think I could do a better job to support everyone in the school.

Throughout all the ups and down this year, Mr. Bender never fails to make you feel welcome and supported at our school. The school community is very lucky to have you as our new principal.

By: Tabitha Weier