Inside BPS – Carolyn Copp: An ongoing love story with Brockton High School
By Sean Mason
` Communications Intern
Stonehill Class of 2017
They say marrying your high school sweetheart only exists in Hollywood love stories, but that's not the case for Carolyn Copp, the new Dean of the Red House at Brockton High School. Copp, a 1990 graduate of Brockton High, has been with her high school sweetheart for well over 20 years, so it's only fitting that someone who has as many ties as she does to Brockton High would define herself as a "Brockton lifer."
After spending the previous three years of her career as the Coordinator of Library Media Technology Services, Copp has returned to her previous position as Dean of the Red House at Brockton High School, which she served in from 2011 until 2013. It's a return to the old days, Copp said.
"I missed having direct interaction with the kids," said Copp. "I love being building based. I love the kids. When you work in a curriculum position like my previous one, you're not as closely connected to the kids. As the dean, I feel like these kids are my kids, and that I can focus on the entire student."
Since returning to her position as Dean, Copp has had a number of memorable experiences, thanks largely in part to her direct communication with individual students.
"The thing I enjoy most about my job is seeing the students in action, and seeing their commitment to academics. Brockton High is a school that focuses on academics and I take pride in the fact that these kids understand that," said Copp.
Copp has been a member of the Brockton School district faculty since 1995, when she started as a Theater Arts teacher. Since then, she has held a number of different positions, ranging from Coordinator of the Arts' department to her current position as Dean.
"I've seen a number of positive changes since I started in Brockton. The academics have become more rigorous. When I started there wasn't any form of standardize testing. I think the school really holds these kids more accountable from an academic side," said Copp.
Copp takes pride in the fact that as Dean she "wears many different hats." Her job requires her to be multifaceted, whether that entails enforcing discipline or helping a teacher with technology. Being the Dean is truly an invigorating experience.
When it comes to faculty involvement, Copp is totally immersed in her students' interests, attending almost every event, from the weekly football games to the plays put on by the drama department. She is always in the audience.
"Being involved as a student, whether that be through athletics, drama, or anything is crucial to one's development. I think me being present for these events shows that I truly care about not only the students, but also for the entire school," said Copp.