One of the many jobs of an assistant principal is to take care of troublemakers. Here at West, however, our assistant principals go above and beyond to connect with their students. One of these assistant Principals is David Small, to whom we are dedicating this article.
Yet there is something about Small’s approach to taking care of students that differs from other assistant principals. That is how he views the bonds he makes between students and staff alike. His caring and helpful attitude especially helps when it comes to assisting students in their ventures.
“I try to help as many people as possible every day for 30 years. I enjoy encouraging students and supporting what they do. My favorite thing as an AP is the relationships I build with people daily,” said Small.
Small is a proud alumni at Appalachian State, where he graduated with a Master’s degree in School Administration and an undergraduate degree in Physical Education. During his time there, he was able to study under a satellite program at Salem State, which is a program that allowed him to get credits for Appalachian State while physically studying at Salem State.
With these skills in Small’s belt, he started his journey as a teacher. His first teaching job was at Richard Joshua(RJ) Reynolds High School, where he spent a total of nineteen years. After nine years of regularly teaching as both a football coach and P.E teacher, he turned to administration work. For the past eleven years, he has been here at West Forsyth as an administrator. Although next year he will not be here, due to his retirement
Despite the sad news of his departure, his time here has been relatively positive. If you think his time in the workforce will stop with his resignation as assistant principal, you’d be wrong. While he may still work, some of his non-work plans are very adventurous.
“I have regrets, but things happen for a reason, and I’m blessed to be in the position and situation I am in. I plan to work, in some capacity if I’m able to, to have a little extra money in my pocket. I will try to play more golf, go fishing more often and maybe travel more,” said Small.
Thankfully his term has had it’s funny moments. Some of these silly times are often with students, yet this hilarious one has a staff member involved.
“One of the funniest things I remember during my time at West was when Brad, one of our cafeteria workers got ejected from a JV basketball game. Brad always complains about the referees. Well, this time one of them heard him and had heard enough. You kind of had to be there, but it was definitely funny,” said Small.
Nonetheless, the next assistant principal certainly doesn’t have “small” shoes to fill. If you are or know any students who’ve been impacted by Small, make sure to congratulate him and wish him well. We will miss Small quite a lot, not just as a staff member but as a calm, active listener to your everyday student, no matter their struggles.
