Current Events

Bingham, Mills both subbing at WLHS

Raina Schutz
January 29, 2013

Leal Bingham, substitute teacher and wife to Geoff Bingham, will be filling in for Kevin Mills, math teacher. While he fills in for Annikke Olson, Assistant Principal, while she is on maternity leave. He is pursuing an administrative degree and is temporarily a teacher on a special assignment.

Bingham had originally worked at WLHS in 2007-2008 as a teacher and has been subbing here ever since.

While here, Bingham will be teaching Trigonometry, Advanced Algebra B, and Discrete. These are the same classes she taught when she worked here, the only new one being Advanced Algebra B. Bingham hopes to teach math again if she is hired for a permanent job.

This may not be Bingham’s first time subbing, but for Mills, his role as an assistant principal is a whole new experience. He finds certain parts of the job are somewhat difficult.

“You are able to see a whole different side of the school,” said Mills. “It is a very interesting experience.”

“When you are an admin you have to talk to the parents more, and there are a lot more meetings,” Mills said. “When you’re talking to the parents about good news then it is ok, but when you’re talking to them about bad news it can be difficult.”

This may be difficult for Mills, but it is also hard for Bingham. She doesn’t have a permanent job here, but she still does her best to help the students. She lets students come in at lunch to study and ask questions. Mills has been working hard to help keep the school running and parents happy, even though this is his first time as an assistant principal.

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About the Contributor

Raina Schutz, Reporter

Walking the streets of Japan, Raina Schutz, freshman, admired the new atmosphere and her international adventure over the summer. Schutz was in awe of the scenery and the cultural difference. Being exposed to something extremely new, Schutz found it eye opening to meet new people and learn about their culture.

“Everything was so beautiful, the parks were so fun and there was never a single moment that I was bored with looking around,” Schutz, said.

Through this culturally diverse experience, Schutz has found a new appreciation for the people around her. Through a foreign exchange program in Hood River, Schutz had the opportunity to take a trip to Japan with a group of kids her own age. She was exposed to the city and faced everyday life with a host family, such as observing the emphasis on manners between family members to show respect.

“You couldn’t slouch or lean against walls. They found it extremely disrespectful and a sign of being uninterested. We needed to stand tall and have good posture to show our appreciation,” Schutz said.

Schutz has also found a special appreciation for the people around her through her move from Lake Oswego to West Linn. Between elementary school and middle school, Schutz was given the option to transfer to the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. She has found herself become more comfortable with her new friends and more welcomed by the West Linn community. She feels fortunate to have found close and welcoming friends during her transition and graduation into high school.

“Everyone is so much nicer here in West Linn, the people are so much more welcoming and friendly,” Schutz said.

Her trip to Japan also shows that Schutz is well-rounded. She has many different interests and loves trying out new things.

Between being busy with friends and extracurricular activities such as co-ed soccer, snow boarding and dance; Schutz has made goals for herself to achieve in order to start her high school year off successfully. She plans to achieve a B in every class and looks forward to facing the challenges in Biology. Schutz looks forward to acting and journalism the most.

“Journalism and acting are my favorite because it’s really fun and has a relaxed environment without any tedious homework.” Schutz said.

Schutz plans to participate in video and write in the Opinion section specifically. Over the course of this year, she hopes to become a better writer and looks forward to seeing her writing on the school website.