In the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, many teachers struggled to find ways to connect with their students, but Deirdre Straight found ways to create bonds with her students while also helping them feel structure throughout the pandemic.
Straight has worked at Highland since August 2020, but her involvement with the school started years before that. Her first child, Elijah came to Highland as a freshman in August 2013, so that is when Straight got involved.
“I helped with lots of team dinners, served in the PTA and on the School Community Council, and I volunteered with our newcomer students learning English,” Straight said.
Once 2020 came, Straight furthered her involvement at Highland by becoming the coordinator of Freshman Success, during the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am the most proud of connecting to freshman and their families during the pandemic, which was an incredibly hard and unprecedented time,” Straight said.
Navigating health concerns, social distancing, and online school, Straight created a way to help freshman students succeed during this time.
She would invite freshman who struggled attending their online classes to come to Highland. They would sit in the cafeteria, at different tables, and she would have them log into their classes and practice online school. This helped students practice having a set schedule and routine, during a time where everything was unpredictable.
Straight worked in Freshman Success for 5 years, until this last school year where she became a student success liaison. She would teach students and staff different educational opportunities that they could participate in after Highland.
“I collaborated with Mindy in Family Support, our counselors and the CTE department to help first generation students learn more about college and to expose many students to fascinating careers,” Straight said.
Straight pivoted from helping freshman integrate into a high school environment, to helping seniors transition into life outside of high school. Now, she is pivoting away from Highland and is retiring to find a different adventure.
“I decided that it was time for something new after 22 years of participation in three schools as an active parent volunteer and employee, and service on numerous committees at the school district and state board levels,” Straight said.
Straight’s last day at Highland was February 20th, where she was sent off with a goodbye party in the library to celebrate her accomplishments and service to Highland.
Straight will not stop celebrating after leaving Highland. She, along with her husband and family are looking forward to the graduation of her son Adam in April, and his wedding in the summer. After those events, she will decide on her next work path or personal adventure.
Although Straight is looking forward to her next adventure, she will remember Highland fondly.
“I have loved working with high school students as they figure out high school and embrace how wonderful, talented and capable they are,” Straight said. “I am grateful to have worked with so many administrators, faculty and staff committed to helping guide students.”
