Scott Andrews was a former guidance counselor with no experience in school administration when he became Amityville Memorial High School's principal in 2004, but he brought a wealth of knowledge and experience in psychology--including a doctorate--to the position. He also quickly recruited Peter Hutchison, a special education teacher, to be an assistant principal. With their combined expertise and experience in working with high-needs populations, they focused on building trust and forging relationships to begin turning around a failing school. Amityville serves grades 10-12 in Amityville Union Free School District in Suffolk County, New York. Initially, Andrews, Hutchison, and a small number of supportive staff members focused on what Andrews refers to as "the four Rs": (1) relevance; (2) respect; (3) responsibility; and (4) relationships.