As many probably know, Ms. Benton is going to be the new principal here at Littleton High School. She has worked here at LHS for 13 years and is excited to take on her new role at our school.
Throughout her life, Ms. Benton has proven to be quite the renaissance woman, as she was an English and journalism teacher and a coach at Aurora Central High School, and later a Dean of Students, Activities Director, Assistant Principal, and Athletic Director at Heritage High School. So what makes Littleton High School special enough for her to want to become our new principal?
“Littleton is a very unique school in so many ways because of the diversity in our students and academics. We have it all,” says Ms. Benton.
The Littleton High School community is very individual yet deeply connected, which is something Ms. Benton values and strives to keep when she takes Dr. Oaks’ place as principal. She believes that our community and the relationships in our school are extremely important and will be maintained when she switches positions.
“I think the environment and community of a school gets handed down, that’s one thing that I’ve been thinking about because we’ve lost a year of that. We’ve lost a year of the older kids modeling for and teaching the younger kids, so next year we need to focus on bringing everyone back together,” says Ms. Benton.
As someone who has worked at this school for thirteen years and worked under Dr. Oaks for nine years, Ms. Benton knows exactly how our school community should feel, and she feels obligated and excited to maintain the environment she loves so much.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Littleton High School, I’ve worn many different hats and I feel like I’m a big part of the community because I’m doing lots of different things,” says Ms. Benton.
That being said, some changes are coming to our school shortly to improve aspects of our school we’ve seemed to lose through the pandemic.
“I think we have a chance to reset a couple of things, like our school community; expectations around academics; resetting expectations on student behavior and attendance. I think we learned how flexible, innovative, and resilient we are, which are lessons we need to take into the next school year,” said Ms. Benton.
There will be some new changes to our school that will benefit everyone, students and teachers alike, however, Ms. Benton doesn’t think the majority of the change will come from her end.
“The biggest change isn’t going to come from me, it comes from us not being together for almost a year. One of my biggest goals is to get that sense of community back. Even now we’re all here but it still feels like we’re hanging on, so I’m hoping for a sense of renewal and revitalizing in the fall,” said Ms. Benton.
After this year she aims to create a new normal, one that benefits everyone and improves the lives of students and those involved with Littleton High School. “I’m excited for the whole school year to see us back to normal, although I don’t know that I want to go back,” said Ms. Benton.
The pandemic has brought out some of the flaws we have here which have created feelings of instability and insecurity while learning, and interacting with others at school. Some of which were heightened when Dr. Oaks announced her retirement this year, “I think when Dr. Oaks announced her retirement everyone was a little shocked and I thought I could bring a sense of stability to the school and our community. A smooth transition is what I’m really hoping for and she and I are already working on that. I’m not only excited about the smooth transition but also what the next steps are for the school because stability doesn’t necessarily mean status quo,” said Ms. Benton.
Despite everything that has happened this year she is extremely excited for next year, and the years to come as the new principal. Ms. Benton is particularly excited to have school events back like pep rallies, homecoming, and football games. Things that made school a little more exciting and gave both students and teachers something to look forward to. “ I can’t wait to be all together! Freshman orientation in particular because we’ll be able to do the tunnel and keep traditions,” Ms. Benton added.
It’s clear next year has amazing potential for growth, change, and stability under Ms. Benton who is more than grateful for her mentorship with Dr. Oaks, and the time they’ve spent together as colleagues. “I’m so grateful for the leadership and mentorship I have had with Dr. Oaks in the past 9 years. I have learned not just how to make a school run but also how to make a school feel like a family, and that’s something I’ll take forward for a long time,” said Mrs. Benton.