Changes Greet BHHS Students on First Day

The first day of classes at Beverly Hills High School on Monday was not without its share of back-to-school chaos, with teachers filing in and out of the main office to check on such matters as alternating bell schedules and missing books.

"It just went by so quickly—nonstop," said administrative assistant Maria Bennett minutes after the last period bell rang at 2:35 p.m. "It was one of those days where no matter how quickly you worked, you never seemed to get enough done."

Although the first day usually consists of early morning jitters and mad dashes through the halls, students weren't feeling the end-of-summer blues by the time school let out. 

"The best part about the first day is getting to find out who's in your classes," said Alayjah Ford, a sophomore who balances seven classes with cheerleading and gymnastics. "You get to see and be with your friends again."

Sophomore Louise Palm said that meeting her new teachers also wasn't half-bad.

"They were all pretty nice," Palm said. "But they mostly just handed out a lot of informational stuff—packets and papers."

Principal Carter Paysinger needed only one word to describe the day: "Excellent."

Paysinger and the rest of Beverly's staff have been planning for school's start throughout the summer months. But the new year brings more than just crisp supplies and football games.

The lackluster performance of the school's math program was a big topic at summer faculty meetings, Paysinger said. Several adjustments have since been made to the math curriculum.

"A real focus for [BHHS] is to strengthen the ability for our students' to learn math and algebra—and algebra being key," Paysinger said. "So we've added math support classes in algebra and geometry."

Paysinger added that this year, administrators are also making sure students are fully aware of the campus' discipline policy and the consequences for breaking school rules.

"We have a great student body, but it only takes a few [students] to create issues," he said. "We've always had little tolerance for the kids that are misbehaving and now we have even less tolerance. We just want a clean, safe environment and our students to be supported as best they can."

Perhaps the biggest change affecting BHHS is the Beverly Hills Unified School District board's hotly contested decision to revoke the attendance permits of students who reside outside the city limits.

The 2010-'11 school year will be the first one to have a student body composed of only Beverly Hills residents, save a few seniors finishing their final year before graduation.

Paysinger said he could not elaborate on the issue because it was ultimately a "financial decision" determined by the board.

"Obviously, we want to provide the best education for everyone enrolled here," he said. "We would love to have kids here on permit if it was financially feasible."

As students gave Paysinger mock salutes from their cars while he walked the campus grounds, it looked as though the school year was beginning on a positive note. 

"I'm looking forward to Beverly Hills High School being the best school we can possibly be," he said.