Some people say Assistant Principal Cathy Peterson is this mean, scary lady.
“She’s not,” Bethany Heuseveldt said. Heuseveldt is Peterson’s secretary “They are not getting the full view of her, because she’s about one of the nicest people and she’s got everyone’s back here at Bear River High. S she just wants to see everybody succeed.”
When the title Vice Principal gets brought up, some may think of someone who just disciplines and doesn’t look at the full picture. But in this case her camera lense is wide open.
Peterson has been working at Bear River since 2011.
“My number 1 job is to keep all of you guys safe,” Peterson said. “So anytime I get a tip or anytime I see something that’s not right I’m on it.I try to be on it to the best of my abilities.”If all she wants to do is keep us safe then why does she have such a bad rep?
Well, she takes care of the school’s discipline, which is not an easy job.
“I think discipline is hard, you’re not going to win any favors,” Peterson said. “You know you’re not going to win any fans, but they know that if you’re fair and you’re consistent — kids are the best, they take their lumps.”Allegations of Peterson being mean may come from the students who have been in her office for disciplinary reasons, but if you ask anyone who has actually dealt with her first hand they’re not going to say what you think.
Freshman Ryan Quiroz has been in her office due to some issues at school.
“No, she’s genuinely really sweet and I like her a lot.”
Another student is Kaylee Barks (Freshman). Barks was in Peterson’s office earlier this year. When put into any tough situation many adults would not handle the situation kindly or forgivingly. “No she was nice about it, Mrs. Peterson took care of the situation very quickly and efficiently.”
So is Peterson actually mean?
Everyone has their opinions but at the end of the day almost every person who has had an actual interaction or conversation with her will say the same thing, that she is nice. Or they will say something like junior Acelynn Yurek”“Nah, she’s chill.”
So next time you see Peterson in the halls don’t be afraid to wave and start a conversation. She is always nice and always has good advice.
