“Bengal Nation, This is where we work… this is where we lead.”
“We worry from the top down, but we invest from the bottom up.” Seth Klarman was speaking about financial investments, but truer words could not be spoken about the leadership model at Blythewood High School. In his 5 years as principal, Matt Sherman has cultivated a community where every voice matters, from our students up to our principal, and everyone in between. Because of this vision, our school has become a place where everyone has the opportunity to create a safe space to define their success and the success of the school.
Mr. Sherman encourages our community to bring concerns to him but also to bring solutions. I can see eyes widening as we talk about solutions from anyone in the building. “What if?” But how?” Ultimately, Mr. Sherman is responsible for the actions of the school, so how does he follow this process? He believes in failing forward. Taking chances allows us to try ideas and to build a stronger community.
“Mr. Sherman, I noticed our incoming 9th graders are struggling with managing their emotions. Could we consider a place for them to go and work through their stuff without a discipline repercussion?” asked a math teacher 6 years ago.
“Show me a plan for what you have in mind,” Mr. Sherman replied. Later that year, the Freshmen Retreat, a beautiful, calming space where students can go to process through with an adult the issue at hand, came into existence.
Blythewood has one of the strongest student activities programs in South Carolina, and it is because it is led by students. We have over 50 clubs, and with the exception of our school honor societies, all of these clubs were started because a student was interested in the activity. This school year we have a gaming club, an American Sign Language club, and even an archery club.
“Mr. Sherman, we want a bigger voice in SIC,” stated several students. “Can we start a SIC club that meets during the school day, and then we can take our ideas to the evening meetings?”
“I love that idea. Let’s make it happen. Can you find an adult on campus to lead it up?” Mr. Sherman replied. “I’ll even pay for pizza for your first meeting.”
“Mr. Sherman, our intervention times are not working. We need something different.” This came from many students. “Mr. Sherman, it’s hard for me to be involved in clubs because I have to get my lunch and then I don’t have time to eat it,” said another student. “Crazy idea… let’s give our students an hour-long lunch all at the same time,” suggested a couple of teachers. Mr. Sherman and most of the administrators reacted with wide eyes as they thought of all of the things that could go wrong. 2100 students… all together… at the same time…with a lot of free time…
“Well, if we are going to fail, let’s fail forward,” Mr. Sherman decided. He put together a team of adults and paid for their time and expertise over the summer to create Opportunity Hour. Implementation included one day of lunch duty a week for teachers and 2 30 minutes tutoring sessions offered, open gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays led by the PE department, Student Activities creating programming for the other days, and the continued ability for seniors to leave campus for lunch.
The 2022-2023 school year started off great. Students were more used to being together after the 2021-2022 school year. Our adults continued to focus on building relationships with their students and their colleagues. The Freshmen Retreat had grown to include two dedicated counselors and an interventionist. Our SIC had transformed itself into a student-led group that was accomplishing more in the beginning months than had been accomplished all year previously. Opportunity hour was working fairly well, although it was difficult to get students to go to tutoring.
The morning of October 5 started like any other late start Wednesday. Then at 10:29 AM, everything changed. Police cruisers stormed onto campus and took over the building in search of an “active shooter” based on a call they had received. At the time, we were unaware the event was a hoax happening in multiple schools, and students were locked into classrooms, closets, labs with their teachers, fearing what would happen. Clearing the building took hours, but as each classroom was cleared and students and teachers passed by law enforcement, there was a mixture of fear and also trust. Students trusted their teachers, teachers trusted their administration, and therefore the transition to the stadium was as orderly as it could be considering the event. Once at the stadium, students and teachers were forced to wait the rest of the school day. It was sunny and warm, and because of the timing, most everyone had not eaten anything. Faculty and staff jumped in to take care of students, and students did the same. This is where our core values of collective leadership and focus on the work versus the role shined through. Leaders stepped up from every level to include students, staff, and support personnel. No one waited to be told what to do, our belief in “taking responsibility” was the common thread that united all of our successes that day.
We were strong that day because of the groundwork we have laid over the last five years in trusting each other’s voices. We are stronger today because of our collective experience of that event. And we will be stronger tomorrow because we listen to each other, we trust that everyone wants the best for the school, and we are willing to fail forward.
At Blythewood High School, all students develop World Class Skills through authentic and valued relationships which provide opportunities to connect, get involved, and discover their true purpose. At Blythewood High School, it is our vision that “In four years, every Bengal will be prepared with the skills and knowledge to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed.” Our mission is “Together, we create a safe environment for growth, filled with pathways of success for all Bengals.” Our priorities are student success through rigorous instruction and purposeful collaboration in a safe and caring environment for all. World-Class Skills are fostered through a network of support that secures opportunities for every student to be College and Career Ready. Through collective leadership and purposeful collaboration, we all work to ensure that Bengal Nation is fair, equitable, diverse, innovative, and physically/emotionally safe for all.
To further develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the 21st century, our school is a member of the Collective Leadership Initiative through the South Carolina Department of Education. By taking ownership of our work with students, this cooperative initiative empowers our teachers to become leaders in their expertise and explore new leadership opportunities aligned with our core values to show respect, take responsibility, and build relationships. As a Professional Development School through the University of South Carolina, we are able to provide opportunities for student-led initiatives and for ongoing professional development for our staff and students.
Our students model servant leadership through innovation and creativity with opportunities for growth and development. Through student leadership, our School Improvement Council has implemented several student-led initiatives to develop world-class skills. "No Place for Hate", "Pay It Forward", "Be a Fan", and "Bridging the Gap" are all opportunities for students, staff, and our community to come together and create effective and meaningful change Their collaboration and teamwork help connect our students with their pathway to purpose of reaching employment, enlistment, or enrollment.
Matt Sherman, Principal
Elaina Arnold (Student), School Improvement Council Chair
