From the desk of Wally Dawkins, Athletic Director:

The discussion centered around what the purpose and responsibility of schools today should really look like. It seems that over the past 25-30 years or so, schools have been asked to provide so much more than just the three R’s, while going into a virtual tailspin in the realm of public confidence and trust.

When I was hired by Whitehouse ISD in 1987, it was an awesome school, with the reputation as being the top school district in East Texas.  Consequently, WISD did not pay their teachers very well because of the fact that prospective educators were standing in line waiting to get a job there.

School discipline at Whitehouse was great with little tolerance for stepping out of line, which made teaching in the classroom enjoyable and the hallways manageable.  School prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were the first order of business each day.  Students and faculty were expected to stand respectfully with their hand over their heart at the playing of The National Anthem.  Students who could not or would not behave, follow district policies, or who were disruptive to the learning process, were simply told to leave.

There was also a real sense of pride in the community of Whitehouse itself, and you knew who your neighbors were, and you knew who that was walking down your street.  It was like school should be.

Now, I might be a little “old school” when it comes to what school should be, but schools who operated like Whitehouse ISD, produced its fair share of distinguished alums, good citizens, “geniuses”, and people who were proud of their school, their community, and proud to be an American.

When I retired from Whitehouse in 2008, unfortunately, much of that had changed.  Not to say Whitehouse is not still a good school, but I don’t think it’s what a school should be.

Due to state and federal mandates, most public schools “can’t” be what schools were intended to be or should be.

The latest “who can use which restroom or dressing room” is a prime example.  Or maybe a better way to say that is apparently “anybody can use any restroom or dressing room.” Seriously?  Did you ever think we would even be having this discussion?  Many schools are actually having this discussion!

The majority of schools are now the place where students receive birth control. Schools are now counted on to be the primary source of food, nutrition and in even some cases…medication.  Many schools are required to provide psychological evaluations as well as social services.

When I came to Brook Hill in 2008, and still today, I tell people that The Brook Hill School is like school used to be. The Brook Hill School is what school was intended to be.

There is classroom discipline and accountability.  School prayer is not just permitted…it is expected…encouraged! Teachers are asked to pour into the lives of students spiritually, academically, and in extra-curricular activities.

We have The Guard Charge. The environment at Brook Hill is conducive to learning. It is a calm environment. It feels safe. The conversations you have with those you work alongside are good conversations.

In athletics, our goal is to provide an environment that allows the students to not just progress or improve as a member of a sports team, but to grow into the type of Christian young person God intended for them to be.

I am truly amazed sometimes and actually have to pinch myself occasionally to believe that we are so fortunate to have the quality coaches we have on our staff that are experts in their field.

If you came on the campus of the Brook Hill School between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM you would witness incredible learning opportunities being afforded our students by teachers who have a vested interest in developing Christian young people who can excel in college.

Prior to 9:00 AM and after 3:00 PM you would see an athletic program that is organized, focused, intentional, with the goal of winning championships while engaging the athletes as mentors and role models.

I have been doing this now for 38 years. I think I have a pretty good idea of what a great school should look like.

Brook Hill is that school!

And that’s another reason to be “ALL ORANGE…All The Time!”