Pleasant Valley Middle School principal Michael Archibeque visits Becky Strand's sixth-grade science class.

Archibeque returns from deployment to Kuwait
Michael Archibeque, principal at Pleasant Valley Middle School, has returned to work after being deployed to Kuwait for more than a year.

“It’s good to be back,” Archibeque said. “Being here is what I love. It is my passion.”  

“The students are pretty happy that I’m back,” he smiled. “Most of them.”

Archibeque was deployed to Kuwait in March 2008, with the 441st Medical Company, where he worked as an emergency medical technician with 80 troops under him. He said that supervising 19 and 20-year olds is very similar to supervising middle school students and both age groups have many of the same issues.

He said he is still trying to catch up on things that have changed while he was gone, including his school implementing the America’s Choice program and the hiring of a new superintendent. But he said for the most part, he was able to ease back into the principal’s seat.

“Pleasant Valley is known for being a big family and it’s great to be back with the staff and students” he said. “I missed them.”

While he was away, students and his fellow middle school principals sent many emails, letters and care packages to him. In August 2008, Archibeque talked with his students via satellite and computer link to encourage them to do well while he was away. He hopes that his service to his country will inspire students to serve in their community in some way.

Archibeque thanked assistant principals Ron Van Sickle, who was acting principal while he was away, and Amy Ines for their support of the school and for their help upon his return. He said Assistant Superintendent of Middle Schools Kathy Busch was also very supportive during his deployment. Archibeque nominated her with the My Boss is a Patriot Award, which is given to those who go above and beyond to support the National Guard and Reservists while they are serving our country.



May 4, 2009