By: Nyla Louise Rteimeh, Staff Writer
With one greeting at a time, Mr. DeAnda aims to make each student’s experience at Poly the best it can be.
Anyone who’s walked onto Poly High School’s campus has most likely been greeted by a bright smile and a fist bump, thanks to our very own vice principal of attendance matters, Mr. DeAnda. Whether it’s through his words of encouragement to “stay friends” with those who you hold close or his booming voice through the morning announcements, Mr. DeAnda is clear in his goal: to uplift and encourage students to do their very best.
On paper, Mr. DeAnda’s job is self-explanatory–manage student’s attendance and do what he can to improve it. But he clarifies that this job is not just done by him alone–it’s a team effort, carried out alongside his Attendance Team. This group is made up of individuals who strongly believe in the power of having consistent school attendance. Him and his team’s efforts range from anything such as pizza parties, minga points, or certificates of recognition. These incentives are visible to students, but when asked which of these has been the most successful, the answer isn’t simple. “We have to take a comprehensive approach,” he explains, “some kids may not care about pizza parties, but care about certificates. Others may care about the minga points.” From a student’s point of view, the variety may seem like a lot, but in reality, they reflect the team’s commitment to making sure all students feel seen and appreciated.
Although attendance is the focus of his official job description, Mr. DeAnda shares that his role goes far deeper. At the heart of everything he does is one goal: building strong relationships with students. “My job is attendance matters, or any other duties that come with the job,” he explains. And while he values attendance highly, what matters most to him is that “students know.” This is where the seemingly small–but truly meaningful–daily interactions come in. Students can almost always spot DeAnda out of his office encouraging them and asking them how their day is going so far, whether this is before, during, or after school. He knows that relationships are key: “Having a good relationship with a student makes it easier because I can sit down and help break down some barriers for them.” At the end of the day, Mr. Deanda stresses that his absolute favorite part of the day is simple: being able to talk to and help the students as much as he can.
Mr. DeAnda’s dedication to students’ success and well-being stems from someone very close to his heart—his grandmother. She held the same hopes for him that he now has for every student at Poly. Mr. DeAnda is currently the only one in his family, other than his children, who has gone to and graduated from college. “Mijo, if you want to do something, you’re gonna do it; and if you don’t you’re going to make up an excuse not to” his grandmother would remind him. She would ask if he’d rather rely on someone else as an adult—or work hard to build a future for himself. It’s the same challenge he now gives to students. “Attendance is truly the biggest indicator for success,” he says. Like his grandmother, he believes that wanting something isn’t enough—you have to put in the effort. That includes showing up. “Hard work isn’t without struggles” DeAnda says, “but that hard work leads me here to be a good role model for every single person on this campus.” It’s clear that Mr. DeAnda truly cares about his cause, because he lived it. Students are able to improve themselves and set themselves up for a brighter future, but of course, this is never without struggles. Poly High School’s Assistant Principle of Attendance Matters is one of many dedicated staff members on campus–but the difference he makes is truly his own. Regardless if he’s trying to push for a better culture on Poly’s campus or a better future for all who attend, Mr. DeAnda is always fulfilling his role as one of Poly’s biggest cheerleaders.
And in his own words, don’t forget: “Please, get to class on time!”