*BHS Assistant Principal*
By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak
January 13, 2022
Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is BHS Assistant Principal, Mr. Matthew Larson! Mr. Larson has had quite the experience upon coming to the Brooklyn City School District. Early on, Larson earned his Master’s degree from John Carroll University. He then spent three years working as a substitute teacher in numerous, Cleveland-area schools. He also spent six years teaching Social Studies at Bedford High School before working as the Dean of Students at Lorain High School.
Q: How would you describe Brooklyn High School?
A: “Very community-based and family-oriented. There’s a strong sense of community here as well as a strong sense of community pride, despite being a small district. For the most part, pretty much every student knows each other here, and the staff is very close with each other; you can genuinely tell that everyone is close with everyone.”
Q: What kind of impact would you like to have in this school district?
A: “I want to continue to build upon the college and career readiness for our students here at Brooklyn High School. I also want to help develop the basic skills students will need when they leave this building, such as how to resolve conflict efficiently, how to positively communicate with one another, how to be responsible, and how to be respectful.”
Q: What has been the most challenging part for you as an administrator working through the current pandemic?
A: “It would definitely have to be building connections with students. My biggest attribute is how I get along with others, and I think the hardest part is knowing there were students who graduated last year who I never even got the chance to meet in person. Same goes for this year as well; it’s hard knowing there will be students this year who will graduate that unfortunately, I only got the chance to meet a few times.”
Q: What have been some of the highlights in your second year here at BHS?
A: “Definitely having everyone’s back in the building has been nice. I’m very proud that the Brooklyn Digital Learning Academy has proven to be very successful, as I had a hand in its development.”
Q: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?
A: “Probably my grandfather. He was just very steady and didn’t have strong responses for certain things. Very consistent and very loving.”
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? What is your favorite style?
A: “I love this question! Oh, I would say, probably about seven pairs of Jordans and four or five pairs of trainers. My favorite pair is definitely my True Blue Threes.”
Q: Describe your family.
A: “I have a wife and three little guys at home. My little ones are very energetic and curious, very independent as well. My wife is extremely intelligent and very supportive. I’m very grateful for my family.”
Q: If you were able to have one superpower, what would it be and why?
A: “I think a lot of people would say this, but I would have to go with flight. I would really like to know what it’s like to fly without having to take a plane.”
Mr. Larson, thank you for your time. We greatly appreciate all that you do for Brooklyn High School, all of the students, and all of the staff!
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 