PERPETUAL MOTION

Dr. Issaic Gates, San Marino High School’s new principal, attended so many community events since he was hired in May the actual school year might seem simple by comparison. Our bet is he’ll never slow down enough to notice.
Gates was seemingly all over the campus on Monday and Tuesday, entertaining the incoming freshman Class of 2021 at Link Crew orientation and greeting seniors at their annual breakfast on the first day of school, which was Tuesday.
“I’m having a great time,” Gates exclaimed on Wednesday as he paused to take a breath. “This has been a great start to the school year.”
Gates marveled at San Marino’s remarkable involvement in the schools.
“In every sense of the word, in the actual DNA of the word, San Marino is a community,” Gates said. “In everything where community is expected, required or volunteers. It’s incredible. It’s the idea that we are all here and we want to communicate this message to our neighbors, friends and family members. When I think of the word ‘community,’ it’s hard to think of another one that works in this way.”
The new principal, who at this time last year was assistant principal in charge of athletics and arts at Los Alamitos High School, was part of a contingent of administrators that visited every each and every room on the first day of classes.
“Our teachers are so committed to growing the intellect and growing the person as well,” he said. “They create a connection to find out who the person is. The learner is a learner but the learner is also a person. And the students, who can use their sense of individuality as a tool. I enjoyed watching our teachers interact and connect. The passion is undeniable.”
At the end of the first day, Gates dispatched an email to his full staff, explaining his sense of pride and appreciation.
“This is everything that I hope my own children are getting at their schools,” he said.