VYPE: When did you take over at DWHS and where were you previously?
Brian Reed: I officially became the principal at Daniel Webster Middle and High School this past June.
VYPE: What attracted you to DWHS?
BR: I was the assistant principal at the middle school last year. I enjoyed my first year and saw a great need to make a positive impact (with our staff) for the students and community on the west side of Tulsa.
VYPE: The school has a long history of service to the students in its district. How do you embrace that history and keep things moving forward for the new students?
BR: I have been reaching out to our alumni and listening to their stories. In addition, trying to learn what the community looks like now compared to how it was in the past. Respect and honor the past successes and memories but build new memories and success for our current students. I have found Webster students to be kind and at their core wanting to be better. I am confident we can build upon this.
VYPE: Nothing happens at a school unless you have a great faculty. Talk about the teachers and staff at DWHS.
BR: Our teachers are committed to providing the best opportunities for our students. They are open to trying new strategies and willing to meet our kids where they are and build upon that.
VYPE: Give us some examples of things that may surprise people to learn about DWHS.
BR: Our campus comprises of six buildings. Tulsa Webster Middle and High School is an iconic building on the west side of Tulsa sitting on 20 acres. We are looking to build upon and grow our Webster students as they participate in their learning experiences. We are home to the district’s only agricultural program and the district’s only digital media broadcasting program! This school year we have begun a 7th grade Academy to challenge students to rise up and be exceptional
VYPE: What are your goals for the school this year and in years to come?
BR: Create an atmosphere where students throughout the city of Tulsa will desire to attend Webster Middle School and High School. We will do this by holding strong, clear, and simple standards of excellence (behavioral and academically) and supporting students to do their very best. It is our hope that as students attend Webster, they will develop their plan and purpose for a positive future in the work force, college, and life. I want teachers to see our school as a great place to work and create great opportunities for all of our students…Impacting families for generations!
VYPE: How has the response been from the student body?
BR: The year just started, but I am encouraged by students’ reaction to our opening grade level forums to motivate and inspire them to be “all in” and find their purpose here at Webster.
VYPE: If there is one thing people should know about Daniel Webster High School, what is it?
BR: We strive to create an atmosphere of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, with our students and staff!
