By Amirah Woodruff
“Supportive, collaborative, and a united school where all teachers and students are excited to teach and learn everyday.” This is Mr. Christopher Ashley’s vision for Barrington High School as its first new principal in almost two decades.
This year, there are many new faces at BHS—Mr. Ashley, School Resource Officer Corey Resendes, and several new and returning teachers. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to interview our new principal and welcome him personally.
While Mr. Ashley is new to the high school, he is familiar with Barrington. He and his wife Alison have two children, a first grader at Sowams and a sixth grader at Barrington Middle School. "They keep us busy, but when we can, we enjoy spending time outdoors either hiking or kayaking," he says.
Mr. Ashley has experience as both a high school teacher and school and district administration in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He was a biology and environmental science teacher and then became the assistant principal at Portsmouth High School, the principal at Tiverton High School and the Director of Teaching and Learning for Newport Public Schools.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in geological- biological sciences and a Master of Arts in teaching secondary biology from Brown University, and a Master of Education in secondary administration from Endicott College.
Mr. Ashley said he recognizes BHS’s high academic standards and wants to maintain our standards while also supporting our students, teachers and staff both socially and emotionally.
“Definitely, the accolades and accomplishments stand out,” Mr. Ashley told The Barrington Times shortly after he was introduced to the public in August. “I could see that coming in. But now that I’m starting to get immersed, I see it’s because of the people who attend and work at Barrington High School.”
Mr. Ashley wants to ensure that BHS is a place to which all students and teachers look forward to coming every day and a place where they will receive an exceptional education.
You may have seen Mr. Ashley around the halls, at lunch, at home games or standing in front of the entrance of the gym welcoming everyone coming into school in the morning. He is dedicated to his job and to his students and looks forward to a successful school year and getting to know as many students as possible.
Quite simply, Mr. Ashley said his way of connecting with his students is by being present.
Mr. Ashley with students (left to right): Amirah Woodruff, Aby Diallo, Charles Potter VI