Principal Jeff Thompson will soon say farewell to Bear Creek. He recently accepted a position as principal of the district's new Middle College High School (MCHS), and will start his new position on Monday. "Bear Creek is an excellent school," Thompson said. "There just comes a point where one needs to look for opportunities to grow and try new things. I think it's that time in my career." Thompson has been working on the concept of MCHS for the past three years. He proposed the idea as a way of both alleviating overcrowding and helping students get ahead. "I thought, 'Wouldn't it be interesting if high school courses were taught by high school teachers in empty college classrooms?'" Thompson said. The premise of MCHS is to let students take college courses as well as high school courses, along the lines of the Advanced Placement classes offered at Bear Creek. "It can help high school students to see the connection between high school, college and their future," Thompson said. Though sad to leave, Thompson is excited about what his position can mean. "This is an opportunity to give [Bear Creek] students an alternate setting," Thompson said. In addition to allowing students to earn college credits, the small classes of the MCHS will provide "closer relationships between the students and teachers, and will improve learning and performance." Thompson would like to spend the remainder of the school year as principal of Bear Creek, but would not be able to stay committed to the job. "It would be desirable to stay until graduation," Thompson said, "but I could not do a good job. A principal should be visible on a daily basis. All the work load cannot fall on [Vice Principal] Dave Hurley." The specifics of MCHS are still being worked out and Thompson said he needs to devote a lot of time to getting the school ready for the start of the school year in fall. Thompson has been with Bear Creek since the school opened. After seven years as vice principal, Principal Bob Vieth resigned and Thompson took over the top position. He looks back at his three years as principal with pride. "I look at the distinctions, and the honors the students have received," Thompson said. "Those are the things I reflect on when I think of Bear Creek." Secretary Michelle McCain said Bear Creek's staff will miss him. "They're all sad to see him go," McCain said. "He's a really great guy to work with." Attendance clerk Pat Newman agrees. "I think this opportunity is wonderful for him," Newman said. "He's worked hard and deserves the new challenge." Thompson will miss the school as much as the school will miss him. "I'm very proud of Bear Creek's students and staff," Thompson said. "They do an excellent job. That's why I feel comfortable moving on."