Next school year, Arlington High School will be welcoming a new face to the English department. Moving up directly from Post Middle School, AHS alumni, Mr. Petersen, will be joining the staff and is set at this time to teach English 9 and 11.

Petersen currently coaches track and football at AHS, which plays a part in him moving up to the high school to teach.

“Teaching and coaching in the same building is so vital to building a strong culture and environment for student athletes. You get to see them more than just at practice and that really helps in building a support system for them,” said Petersen

Other English teachers in the department already approve of him and are excited to have him at Arlington High School. 

“I know him to be a very strong English teacher, and the kids that come out of his class are very prepared, so I have full confidence that he will do great when he gets here,”  said Ms. Larson, an English teacher at AHS.

While staff are excited to welcome him, some can’t wait for him to experience the highlights of teaching high school.

“It’s those little teeny things that come from the kids that you’re not quite sure that you’re always connecting with, but then you discover that, yes, you really did do something for them and they were too embarrassed to come talk to you in person, but showed you that in some way,” said Ms. Downey, hoping to pass her favorite experience down to Petersen.

With all the support from other teachers, AHS is sure to welcome back Petersen as a teacher and make him feel at home. 

“It has been a long time coming, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be back at Arlington High School,” said Petersen.