Pickering principal wants accountability in schools

LYNN – When former social studies teacher Robert Murphy left Lynn Classical after eight years in 2002 he was never quite able to get the city out of his head.Now, after tenures as assistant principal in Haverhill, Marblehead and Revere, Murphy is “fulfilling his dream” of coming back to Lynn as principal at the Pickering School.”After I left, I always missed Lynn,” he said. “This was a great opportunity for me to come back and lead a school as a principal.”Murphy is bringing several years of high school experience to the Pickering, and he is hoping that experience, added to his familiarity with Lynn, will allow him to really prepare his new students for high school.”Middle school is such a critical age for students and I feel my experience at the high school level will really benefit students here,” he said. “I know what it takes to be successful at the high school level and my plan is to make sure these students are fully prepared for what they are going in to at Classical, English, St. John’s Prep or any of the high schools they may attend when they leave.”The key to that preparation, he says, is accountability and responsibility. He wants to establish a system of responsibility that the students do not typically learn at the elementary school level. More independent responsibility with homework and organization are key, along with learning to take responsibility for their actions and learn from mistakes.”I am a firm believer that if you challenge students they will reach out and meet that challenge,” he said. “I want to provide them with the right structure and raise the bar so that each student has an opportunity to meet that challenge and make those goals come to fruition.”It will be great,” he continued. “When you see students engaged in learning, and you see that they really get it, it is the most powerful thing you can witness as an educator.”Murphy said it has been a luxury that he is familiar with administration and district goals from working here in the past, but there has still been an adjustment period as he has settled in to this new office.He says the accountability and responsibility that he will expect from students will also be expected of him.”I have spent all summer just getting situated and trying to get the lay of the land because there is going to be a little bit more accountability for myself this year too,” he said. “I am focused on my own responsibility and I am accountable for my work here. There are things that need to get done and it is my responsibility to make sure they are done and done the correct way.”Murphy said he has held back from introducing himself to parents because of summer vacation schedules, but he is planning to hold an introductory event for parents once school is under way Sept. 5.”I am looking forward to meeting the parents once school starts and I am also looking forward to working toward continued success here at the Pickering,” he said.