Ten years ago, Reedy High School opened its doors for its first day of school, making it the eighth high school built in the Frisco Independent School District.
Reedy has undergone many changes over the years, but one thing that hasn’t changed is its amazing staff. As Reedy has grown, staff members who have been at the school for the past ten years have reflected on its past and excitedly looked toward the future.
“Being a part of this community and celebrating not only the history but the future we have is something I’m really excited about,” librarian Nancy-Jo Lambert said.
Many staff members appreciate the dedication Mr. Z has shown in enriching the culture at Reedy over the past decade, as well as the effort he put into strengthening the school during COVID-19.
“In the very beginning, it was really fun to watch [Reedy] expand because it opened with only freshmen and sophomores, so it was deserted,” AP Research teacher James Neve said. “Traffic was not a problem; the hallways were largely clear. Lunch was kind of small, but then obviously that changed.”
Not only has the faculty fostered a positive work environment, but the changing student body has also influenced the school dynamic.
“We are one of the most academically successful high schools,” dance coach Kristy Platt said. “And that’s just steadily gotten more and more successful, which is amazing.”
Some elective departments have also grown over the years as the student body has become more diverse. For example, the AP Spanish department has grown exponentially during Reedy’s ten years.
“I’ve noticed we have had a larger Hispanic population in the last three to four years,” AP Spanish teacher Daniel Vargas said. “In the beginning, it was mostly the Indian and white populations. But in the last four to five years, the demographics have changed.”
Staff members at Reedy have also noticed the development of student life within the school.
“I think one of the things that I notice the most is that with every group of students that walks through these doors and then walks across the stage with their diploma, we see y’all becoming kinder as humans,” Lambert said. “I see students coming into their own and figuring out who they are much earlier than even I had the opportunity to do that as a kid and teenager.”
At its core, Reedy is focused on its students. All staff members come to work every day with the goal of educating the next generation.
“I like my co-workers, but you guys, the students, it’s what makes me happy and keeps me coming every day,” Vargas said. “The co-workers and the administration are pretty cool, too.”
For the staff at Reedy, teaching is not just a job but something they feel passionate about.
“I’m truly passionate about working with kids,” Lambert said. “I’m always excited about helping them become who they are and seeing them do that, even having a small role in what I think is the work of my life.”
