Greetings parents and students of BHS!
I am Michael Belk, principal at Buford High School. As a graduate of Buford High, it is with great pride and gratitude that I am able to stand before you as the next principal of BHS! I am very humbled and honored to be able to serve in this new role. The Buford schools and community meant so much to my personal growth and development as an individual. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the community members, teachers, and administrators that supported me during my years at BHS. For that, I am forever thankful!
I am excited to begin what will be my 17th year in education. Prior to going into administration, I began teaching social studies and coaching basketball and football at Lancaster High School in 2001. I continued teaching and coaching at South Pointe in 2006. It was during my years as a teacher and coach that I developed the belief that ALL students can learn and achieve at high levels if given the right supports and environment. I chose to go into administration so that I could have a larger impact on the entire staff and student body, one that extended beyond just the four walls of my classroom. It was in 2011 that I left SPHS in order to accept an assistant principal position at Buford High School. In 2013, I returned to South Pointe High School where I served as the Freshmen Academy Administrator and the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction. I truly believe that the experiences described above have prepared me to be the next principal at Buford High School. As stated above, I am deeply honored to be granted the opportunity to serve the community that has meant so much to me.
As principal, it is my vision to provide each student with the experiences and opportunities that will allow for them to be successful in life after high school. In order to do so, it is important that our academic, athletic, and fine arts programs provide our students with the opportunities to build the world class knowledge, world class skills, and the life and career characteristics that are outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Developing students in each of these areas is vital to their success in the real-world, whether that be college, the military, or the work force.
Because of this vision, it is important that we have a set of practices, policies, and procedures at BHS that work to keep our students safe and create an environment where each child can be successful in gaining the knowledge, skills, and character traits that will greatly benefit them as they pursue a successful future.
On a personal note, I have a beautiful wife, Meredith, and two young children. My daughter, Addison, is 9 years old, while my son, Carsten, is 5. We enjoy taking trips to the beach and mountains! You can always find us cheering on the Buford Yellow Jackets on Friday nights, the Clemson Tigers on Saturdays, and the Panthers on Sundays!
I am excited and looking forward to a great year at BHS. I look forward to partnering with each of you to ensure that success of each student. Let’s all work together to show that Jacket P.R.I.D.E.! Go Jackets!
Sincerely,
Michael Belk
Principal