Staff writer
For Belleville native Brenda Odgers, coming to Marion is a homecoming of sorts.
Since graduating high school, Odgers has run the gamut, as she said, living, and teaching in Kansas towns with schools ranging from 1-5A.
Now, the former teacher, and principal the past two years at Clifton-Clyde High School, will be the new principal at Marion High School.
Marion, Odgers said, is similar in size to her hometown, and she believes teaching at 3As and small 4As is the best option.
“Students are involved in things they wouldn’t be otherwise,” Odgers said. “We are making them leaders.
“If they don’t participate, the programs don’t exist.”
That balancing act of schoolwork coupled with numerous activities, is part of what prepares them for college Odgers said.
“I think we need to treat every kid like they are going to college,” she said. “If they’re not prepared, they have no chance.”
Odgers said that may not be a popular stance, but she feels it at least gives the students an opportunity for secondary education, whether they choose that route or not is up to them.
Even students attending Vo-Tech schools need college level math and science according to Odgers.
“These aren’t your typical Vo-Techs anymore,” Odgers said.
Technological advances in every field have lead to more stringent acceptance guidelines.
Odgers, therefore, believes rising the bar will lead to the most success.
“Students will take the path of least resistance,” Odgers.
If Odgers had her way, the path of least resistance at Marion would be better than any other school.
Preparation
Odgers’ first job out of college was at Newton High School. When she walked into the auditorium, she was amazed. There were 1,000 students packed in the seats.
“I thought, ‘this is half of my small town,’” she said.
The larger-sized schools presented a much tougher learning environment Odgers said.
However, teaching at Newton and fellow 5A school Salina South, had its benefits.
“I learned some great teaching skills there,” she said.
As a principal at MHS, it’s time for Odgers to pass them down to her staff.
“We need to be on the same page,” she said of the ninth through 12th grade teachers. “They need to help me enforce, and I’ll support them as well.”
Although she has yet to meet all of her staff and find out what they want from her, Odgers has had a chance to explore Marion and meet some of its residents.
“My first impression was of [superintendent] Lee Leiker,” she said. “I was very impressed. He is a go-getter.”
She praised the school projects Leiker helped engineer, (an indoor pool, gymnasium, and performing arts center for the district) calling them “phenomenal.”
The walking track open to the public in the gymnasium is a great addition to the community Odgers said.
“What a great service,” she said.
Odgers had found a place to live in town, and said every one she met has been “so nice.”
Still, taking on a principal position in a new town can be overwhelming.
“I’m nervous; not quite sure what to expect,” she said.
However, one thing is for sure: Odgers wants to see MHS students succeed.
“We need to prepare them for the world,” Odgers said.
Preparation begins Aug 14.