Thomas Jefferson High School students return with pride and new beginnings

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa —

Students and staff at Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs returned to class, kicking off the new school year with a renewed focus on pride and connection.

“Thomas Jefferson is all about pride. And so that’s something that we do every single day,” said Michael Naughton, principal of Thomas Jefferson High School.

Naughton explained that fostering pride and supporting students is a daily mission for the school.

“That’s what we work towards every day. We want to help every single kid from wherever they are to whatever they can be. And that’s why I wanted to become a principal,” he said.

For junior Maya Otto, the new school year is another step toward her dream of playing college basketball.

“I’m involved in band, track, and basketball,” Otto said, highlighting how her activities both inside and outside the classroom are paving the way for her goals.

This year also brings a new experience for Otto, as she shares classes with her twin sister, Olivia, for the first time.

“This year’s different. We have classes together. Normally we don’t have classes together, so it’s going to feel a little different,” she said.

Despite being a seasoned student, Otto acknowledged that first-day nerves are to be expected.

“Everything is going to happen for a reason,” she said.

As the first bell rang, Principal Naughton emphasized the importance of building relationships to help students feel connected from the start.

“Relationships are everything,” he said. “You create this culture and presence in this building, and that allows the students to come in and be as successful as they can be, with our support.”

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