Pacifica Stories

Every institution has an ethos, a culture, and an atmosphere. As a school leader, building a culture is crucial and something I get excited about. As an educator on the Westside of Los Angeles for over three decades, it is a privilege to interact with teenagers, parents, grandparents, and staff. I have learned so much and seen God do some incredible things. There are countless stories to recount. Here is one.

In the mid-90s, I was teaching U.S. History. It was December, and this particular class of 35 students was having a good experience. The week before Christmas break, the students asked me if they could throw a Christmas party to celebrate the upcoming break. I understood their point but took the conversation in a different direction. I appeared to be appalled that they would want to take up precious class time, a time of learning and growth, to celebrate leaving school for two weeks. Of course, they were confused. I told them we would not have a party that would waste class time and asked them why they would want to celebrate leaving this special class and this great school. Now they were even more confused. They replied, “But all the other teachers are throwing parties.” I compromised with them. I said, “I tell you what. We can have a party the day you come back from Christmas break. We can celebrate your return to school and the fact that you have an opportunity to be together in this special class and get an education that most kids around the world never get.” Now they looked at me like I was crazy. I emphasized the point a little bit further, and they got it. I did indeed throw them a party on their return to school and encouraged them to always cherish their education and their time in high school.

The atmosphere we are trying to create at Pacifica is a sense of sadness when we leave for summer break each June. A sense that we will miss this place and miss these people. Of course, we need a break and some downtime. At the same time, if we have created a place of goodness and joy, there should be a sense of loss. This is not typical in education. Most are thrilled to get out for the summer and can’t wait. When the first day of school comes around, they are fighting it, trying to extend summer and have a sense of loss at the start of the school year.

At Pacifica, we get to come to school each Monday. It is a privilege. We want to be in these rooms, hallways, courts, and offices. We want to spend time with teenagers at lunch, traveling through Paris, and at events. Each Friday, yes, there is a sense of rest and space. However, we are sad to leave, and the cycle continues each Monday. 

The Pacifica faculty and staff enjoy what they do and who they do it with. Teenagers’ energy, curiosity, and unpredictability make being an educator special. Seeing students tackle things for the first time and grow is meaningful. Helping them through failure and hard times brings purpose and service. Partnering with parents and colleagues creates a true community.

So as Head of School, I get to come to school each Monday. They let me in the door, and I am excited to engage.