Morning people, non-morning people, meet Scott King, an NPHS science teacher. He may be a part of your daily morning routine without you realizing it.

On a Monday morning, King clenches a whiteboard between two gloved hands. He pulls his stocking cap over his ears, smiles, and says, “Hi, how are you?” to every student who walks by from the east parking lot on their way into the school.

His sign says, “On the 9th day of Christmas: Love and Happiness,” because Monday’s theme is “Monday motivation.” Wednesdays are science puns, and Fridays are the famous “high five Friday.” Tuesdays and Thursdays are a surprise. This is an everyday gig for King.

King has morning parking lot duty. “It was just kind of boring, so I decided to make it more fun,” King said.

King started interacting with students more as a way to make it enjoyable. However, he finds that it’s also a way to make connections. “I’ve got parents that tell me ‘oh, you’re that guy with the sign’ when I’m walking around town,” he said.

The second-year science teacher chose to be optimistic about his assigned duty. “I could have stood out here and just been grumpy, you know,” King said. “But I chose to make it fun for me. I think it’s fun for other people.”

No matter the weather, King’s goal is to be outside with his sign every morning. He truly believes it makes a difference.

King is glad he has parking lot duty. “It becomes actually the best part of my day,” he said.

He is more than just a friendly face for students, though. He’s also a role model for teachers. King is in charge of PBIS, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports; an approach schools use to improve safety and promote positive behavior. NPHS just implemented the program this year. PBIS is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. Scott King is a leading force on the committee. Each week he sends out an email to teachers that relates to the behavior program.

His emails contain stories from his teaching as well as a call-to-action for teachers. One email from Dec. 9 says, “We need to focus on the students we have now more than ever. These students who are struggling as we approach the end of the year are facing many problems we can’t always understand,” King wrote.

Journalism teacher Lori Larson said King’s messages are motivating for teachers to hear. “It’s like a half-time pep talk,” Larson said.