Getting to Know new principal at Lyons Mid/Sr High School, after one year
As Lyons Middle/Senior High School returned last fall to a full, normal schedule, after surviving two years of a global pandemic, they also welcomed a new principal. Chris Frank did not escape the turmoil, as he was assistant principal at SVVSD’s Altona Middle School, near Clover Basin, in Longmont, for three years. (Prior to that, he was assistant principal for four years in the Bill Reed Middle School in Thompson School District, which is in Loveland).
“COVID helped us realize how interconnected we are,” said Chris. “A lot of experiences were missed through that. Kids came out big time afterwards, joining clubs, trying new things. My sports coaching background showed me how important it is for kids to be involved.”
Chris started out as a middle school science teacher, including coaching football, girls’ basketball, and high school track in Colorado Springs. The science skills came from his academic background, which included a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Principal Licensure from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, with a concentration in Biology Education, from Colorado State University, Ft. Collins.
After you get through digesting all those degrees, the bottom line is that he was interested in science, and that lead him to his goals for Lyons students. His three goals for students are a confluence of specific issues around the environment, and identifying them.
His first goal is to maintain strong activities excellence. Second, learn the Lyons community and get to know the town and students. Third, learn more about our environmental leadership.
He wants to develop a focus program that expands the principals. “There’s been some great work done,” said Chris “but I want that program to provide more opportunities for students.”
It starts with a Leadership Pathway. There would be three levels of classes. The 6th grade would be for learners; the 7th and 8th grade would be advanced; and the high school grades would course its own level. It would involve community and local leadership.
“I would build them out, and get teachers trained next year,” said Chris. “I hope to graduate students who will be leaders in the community in their desired field of interest.”
Chris combined his academic experiences with what he learned on the leadership path at his previous schools into professional development, thereby being qualified to be a school principal. Also, Lyons schools appealed to him because his wife is a teacher in the SVVSD. They could both be on the same school calendar, to enjoy summer with their two kids, Haisley, 3, and Camden, 5 months. Especially fishing, camping and hiking.
“My goal was to strive to be a leader and influence kids on a greater level,” said Chris. “I want opportunities for all kinds of different kids. I like to be system thinker, and analyzing different programs. To support students who are strong. To match diverse interests.”
Now that he has been at the school for a year, he has found that the student body is “compassionate, really plugged in and engaged in multiple activities, like band, softball, National Honors Society. They are well rounded and active.”
SIDE NOTES:
==SVVSD: St. Vrain Valley School District – 33,000 students in 60 schools and programs – in eastern Boulder, Broomfield, Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Frederick, Hygiene, Longmont, Lyons, Mead, Niwot, Peaceful Valley, and Raymond. Parts of Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer, and Weld Counties fall within its boundaries. – Lyons has approximately 400 students, split fairly evenly between Middle and High School students.
== The Lyons Middle/High School has one full time, dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) in the building
==PARKING: There will be some construction during the summer, so parking it the school lot may be restricted at times. The town is repairing Second Avenue to the school parking lot, and McConnell Drive.
