Every year, the Summit staff shifts but this year, with 14 new staff members, there are even more introductions to be made.
ADMINISTRATORS:
Ms. Knoll: Vice Principal
Considering she was an English teacher here at Summit for 12 years, it’s not Kristy Knoll’s first time in these halls. After three years as vice principal at Cascade Middle School, Knoll is back (now as one of Summit’s vice principals) and excited to grow Summit’s school culture. Knoll has big plans to celebrate the school’s 25th Anniversary by starting a hall of fame to memorialize not only Summit’s historic athletes but also its student volunteers and advocates.
Ms. Cooper: Vice Principal
After many years as a special education teacher, this is Ashley Cooper’s first year as an administrator as one of Summit’s three vice principals. Cooper has most recently lived in Vancouver, Washington, but she has also lived in Florida, Arizona (where she was a hammer thrower at Arizona State University), California and now Oregon. She is passionate about students and staff being authentic and is striving to curate a community at Summit where everyone belongs.
Mr. McAndrews: Vice Principal
This may be Quinn McAndrews first year in the building, but he is not a new face to the Summit community. He was the former girls tennis coach and is now one of Summit’s vice principals as well as the school’s athletics director. Before starting at Summit, McAndrews taught for Baker Charter Schools, an online school. He encourages students to come say hello and introduce themselves regardless of whether or not they are an athlete.
TEACHERS:
Ms. Lyon: Spanish Teacher
Lindsay Lyon has been all over. In addition to teaching Spanish at Caldera, Lyon has spent time in Saudi Arabia (where as a woman she wasn’t allowed to drive), Venezuela, Thailand, China, Indonesia and most recently, Peru. Excited to be a part of a community again, Lyon is teaching Spanish part time at Summit this school year.
Ms. Shore: Math Teacher
Many students spend their days dreading math class, but Madison Shore hopes to change this and cultivate a love for the subject in her classes. This year marks Shore’s 10th year of teaching and first year at Summit. Shore grew up in Bend and is a Mountain View High School graduate (where she worked for the past two years as a math teacher and activities director). She teaches Math 9 and Math in Society and is eager to connect with her new students.
Mr. West: English Teacher
After 15 years of teaching at Redmond Proficiency Academy, Hector West decided it was time for a change of scenery. As the newest member of Summit’s English department, he has found just that. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his two sons and he is excited to learn about Bend-La Pine Schools.
Mr. White: Computer Science Teacher
At the start of his teaching career, former Summit computer science teacher Kathy Quick was Josh White’s mentor teacher, and when she retired last year, she recruited White to take over her position, passing on the torch. In recent years, White also taught Computer Science at Caldera, Redmond Proficiency Academy and Sisters High School before returning to Summit this year. He is excited to help his students create and embrace their creativity.
OTHER STAFF MEMBERS:
Mr. Michel: Counselor
Recently leaving the private sector as a life coach, Michael Michel is excited to be a part of the counseling team and bring an authentic vibe to Summit High School. The novels on his office book shelf serve as a reminder that Michel is not just a counselor but an author as well: He writes epic fantasy books and has published three novels and two novellas.
Ms. Gow: Attendance Secretary
Jennifer Gow most recently worked at Ensworth Elementary before becoming Summit’s morning attendance secretary. As she is often the first staff member students see as they walk into the building, Gow is making an effort to help students have a positive start to their day. Outside of work, she enjoys going hiking with her dog, Amigo.
JR: Campus Monitor
Formerly at Pilot Butte Middle School, JR Rombach was ready for a level up at a bigger school. Now at Summit as a campus monitor, he is looking forward to providing a safe space for students. Knowing that he has big shoes to fill, Rombach is ready to take on the school year and create unity at Summit.
Mr. Price: Campus Monitor
As one of Summit’s new campus monitors, Mike Price has over 15 years of experience in the security field and is ready to build relationships with Summit students. Price most recently worked in protection at Macy’s and decided he wanted to try something different. Fun fact: A few years ago, JR and Price used to do private security together.
