A noticeable change at TJ is seen with the help of a new assistant principal.
Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya
When TJ welcomed the new Assistant Principal, Michael Christoff, in early September no one was quite sure what his role would be, but Christoff has been steadily working on improving the social and academic atmosphere among students – especially freshmen – at TJ, and getting things done.
Starting as a teacher in middle school, Christoff says he is happy to be where he is now and serving as an assistant principal, “Middle school was very different, of course. The kids were harder to mediate with and come to terms with. It’s also unusual that instead of teaching kids every day, I am now an administrator.”
Entering a high school environment after middle school is quite a change for students, and for adults it is no different. “I love it here at TJ. The kids are a lot more mature and it is nice to have a rational conversation with them. They understand that when I have to talk to them on certain issues that it is not personal, but a part of my job,” said Christoff.
Being an Assistant Principal includes various jobs that have taken all of Christoff’s time and attention. “My main focus is to try and bring up the discipline levels to where they need to be. I go around and observe classes frequently, talk to the teachers, and help them in any way I can. Recently, I have had an alliance with Jon Pooles’ Leadership Class to help freshmen adjust to high school more easily and to try and put a stop to the bullying. Another focus that I have is to bring up the attendance rates and help kids get to a better place by giving some kids options for an alternative school.”
The administrative staff has a lot of improvements that they want to implement at TJ and Christoff is taking a lead role. “We can continue to be consistent with how we deal with the kids and their issues. I feel like, better communication is the main factor in getting through to the kids and the teachers. I want to work on lowering the referral rate among students and talk to them about responsibility,” said Christoff.
Over the past three months Christoff has been building a relationship with the TJ community and getting involved with teachers and students. “The kids are awesome! I feel like I have bonded with a lot of students by going to different sporting events, cheering with the students at the homecoming pep rally, and talking to kids in classes.”
With the many events that are coming up in the near future such as Eros, Renaissance Festival, and After Prom Christoff says he is eager to participate in as many school events as possible. “I am looking forward to my first high school dance, and all the sport games such as basketball, swimming, and wrestling,” said Christoff.
