Confident, independent students and more opportunities. This is what drove Mr. Plackemeier to become the new principal of McPherson High School. Before moving to McPherson seven years ago, Mr. Plackemeier lived in Missouri and Colorado teaching a Speed, Power, and Strength (SPS) class and coaching a baseball team. Being a coach it made sense for him to teach a SPS class. Then he and his family moved here seven years ago. He became the principal of the middle school and quickly made changes including the Positive Behavior Reward (PBR) program, which gave the students the opportunity to get rewards for their behavior. The rewards included getting out of school early, games and spirit assemblies. PBR gave students more opportunities to have a variety of activities, including an additional class, SPS.
As far as changes go for the high school, he doesn’t plan on making any bigger ones, but looks to see what is working and what isn’t. There has been some talk about adding a class, fire science. He has heard many students who would like to have that ability to take it.
“I know the students and am confident in their ability to see them have more opportunities,” said Mr. Plackemeier. “They are more independent and outgoing.”
When asked if he was planning on bringing PBR to the high school, he was unsure and it depends on the set up and different student council activities.