To become a Dean of Students at Hillsboro High School, one must first love to work with students. Deans must also be able to provide teachers, administration and students high quality feedback when a student is in need of social, emotional or behavior help without being overly critical. Hillsboro is blessed to have two great deans, Ms. Amy Cate and Mr. Andrew Bello.

Ms. Amy Cate is Hillsboro’s original Dean of Students who began this roll in 2015. Her responsibilities include working with students and improving their behavior, awards, facilitating student groups who meet for a variety of different needs and helping students navigate the social pitfalls of high school.

She helps students better themselves & teaches students how to make better SEL choices which in turn, creates a better environment for everyone at Hillsboro.

As a former Spanish teacher, Ms. Cate understands what it means to be a teacher in the classroom, while she also has learned more about what it means to be an administrator.

Cate is a determined collaborator who was presented with the 2018 Award for Women in Leadership earlier this year. Other awards she has received are the 2009 Middle School Teacher of the Year and 2016 Hillsboro High School Teacher of the Year.  Ms Cate is also a 2009 graduate of the Principal’s Leadership Academy.

This position was created to promote clarity and consistency in behavior expectations and to foster a more positive school culture. In addition to discipline and social / emotional learning goals, her program seeks to expand three “big ideas”

1. 1) Behavior expectations must be made clear.
2. 2) Positive choices should be rewarded.
3. 3) There must be a consistent process for dealing with negative behavior.

Both Dean Bello and Dean Cate work together to help students respect each other, be responsible for their actions and to go to class ready to learn, but they recognize until the student must also hold themselves accountable in the same areas.

The Hillsboro Globe had a chance to speak directly with Ms. Cate about her duties and responsibilities at Hillsboro. Her interview is below.

HG: What are the consequences of bad behavior here at Hillsboro ?

AC: The consequences for bad behavior would be Saturday school first then if it keep happening repeatedly then it will lead to O.S.S.

HG: How do you define student success here ?

AC: Asking students everyday when they come is , “Are you happy ?” Success can always happen with students being happy.

HG: How do you ensure , ” No student is left behind?”

AC: With the help of every teacher holding students accountable , teachers help out a lot of Unseen students. Every unseen student here is held to a standard.

HG: How did you become Dean of Students at Hillsboro High School ?

AC: “Got my administrations degree.” Dr. Pelham  wanted a strong , positive Dean of Students here at Hillsboro.

HG: How do you , yourself deal with discipline with behavioral students ?

AC:  “It’s important to listen.”

HG: What do you like the most about working in the environment here at Hillsboro ?

AC:  ” I can’t wake up every morning for the adults here , but I can wake up every morning impacting you guys.”