By Lexie Brearley
Staff Writer

As a dean here at Westford Academy, Bob Ware “wears many hats.” He manages students, evaluates teachers, is the chair of alternative education, was the chair of fine arts, and has duties outside of school, such as dances, sporting events, and school plays. Last year the talent in the theater arts impressed him and he plans to see more this year.

He describes his first year as a great experience and he learned a lot. He says Westford Academy is a busy place with a lot going on.

Dean Mike Parent describes Ware as, “a great guy to work with. A lot of energy, a lot of good experience. He was easy to work with. You see him in the halls, the lunchroom all the time.”

Juniors Patrick Dugan and Dustin Parks agree that Ware “is a good guy” and “is serious about his job.” They also added jokingly that he is “jacked” with “a full head of hair.”

Even students that do not have a direct connection with Ware such as senior Marissa Nakashige, say that they “haven’t talked to him much but he seems like a nice and approachable guy.”

Freshman Jennine Regan says that he “is good a directing traffic.”

Ware is popular among students and even teachers, and when asked why he thinks this is, he said “I don’t know, it’s a fortunate skill to have and I’ve been doing this job, the discipline part, for a while. I care about kids and want them to do well.”

He says that he is in “a fortunate position, to work with a kid that’s in need of a behavior or academic change in a one-on-one setting.”

Ware says that teachers have their hands full so it’s hard to connect with a student without a one-on-one time. When the door’s closed in his office, it allows kids to be themselves and he can connect with their feelings and emotions and help them.

Last year, his proudest moment was when he “was up on stage at graduation, handing our diplomas, calling out kid’s names, and giving them their diplomas.”

He realized that he was fortunate to be here at Westford Academy where he can watch kids develop, meet appreciative parents, and be part of their lives.

This year, he has a few goals. He would like to be a better asset to his departments, alternative education and fine arts. Although Donna Pobuk is now the curriculum coordinator, he still plans on being involved in the department and even has some activities planned out.

His other department, alternative education, lost twelve students this year to graduation and poor decisions. Like fine arts, he had planned out activities that would have the students be more involved in their community and school.

Outside of his departments, Ware wants to work closer with all the curriculum coordinators and help them improve their programs. He wants to see what Westford Academy has to offer and what he can help improve.

“Now that he knows our system and schedule, I continue to see him get involved in more activities,” says Parent. “I think he’ll do an even better job this year.”