Growing up, my Mother stressed to me, "Remember, things happen for a reason." Her simple, yet sturdy advice still serves as a guide through trying times. And in our second year at BASIS Chandler, I recall her wisdom every single day.

For most of this summer vacation, I prepared and devised ways to improve my lessons for the AP World History class I taught last year at BASIS Chandler. With about three weeks remaining until the first day of school, I was offered a chance to interview for the Upper School Director position.

I vacillated for days on whether a move from the classroom to an administrative office was in the best interest of - not just me and my family - but our students. I channeled my Mom's durable wisdom, and ultimately the opportunity to work with all our Upper School students, -- not just the ones I had in my classes -- was too enticing. It's with great honor and humility I take on the responsibility of leading your sons and daughters as they take the necessary steps through high school.

This is one of the most important years in the history of our school. Everyone -- from the hard-working front office staff to the administration and faculty and, of course, our student body -- must build upon the successful foundation we laid last year. We must proceed to chart the future course that will put our BASIS campus on the national map. Forward progress is the only way, and it is that mentality that I ask our school to embrace.

I know at times this year it has not appeared like we are moving in an onward direction. Particular situations involving our Upper School math and Spanish departments stifled the students' opportunities to achieve growth in their academic careers.

Many of you voiced concerns and provided feedback in the early weeks of the 2012/2013 school year. I listened, and trust me; I shared your frustration. After all, how can we call BASIS Chandler one of the best schools in the state if we cannot provide our students a consistent teacher and role model?   That question ate away at our administrative team daily causing myself many sleepless nights.

Yet in the true BASIS spirit, our students, faculty, and administration persevered to do our job to the best of our capabilities. Teachers such as Ms. Ashley Hafner, Mr. Bryan Campo, Mr. Carson Richards, Mr. Sean Batewell, and Mrs. Phyllis Weaver assumed the burden of extra classes under extraordinary circumstances. Mr. Mike Lemons, Mr. Bob Woolley, and Mr. Walter Isaacs took on the responsibility of blending their science backgrounds while delivering the necessary lessons for math classes to continue without interruption. Our dedicated faculty demonstrated how the BASIS Chandler faculty and staff are full of problem solvers whose actions mirror the lessons they preach in the classroom.

And now, thanks to Mrs. Terrell's relentless pursuit to bolster the faculty, I am proud to say that with the addition of Ms. Nancy Godinez (8^th and 9^th grade Spanish) and Ms. Megan Mullins (Algebra-I and Algebra-II), BASIS Chandler is fully staffed and motivated to take the next leap towards a historically great school year.

Things really are happening for a reason.

Thanks for your support,

Matt Smith

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