Meet Our New Assistant Principal: Daniel Atlas
Our school recently welcomed Mr. Daniel Atlas as assistant principal. He aims to support a school environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, while also expanding opportunities that reflect both academic and community needs. His career in education has spanned community education, teaching, and administration, and he brings a strong commitment to student achievement and well-being.
Mr. Atlas began his career while completing his undergraduate degree in sociology. What began as a part-time role in a community education program first led him into substitute teaching, then transitioned into full-time teaching, and eventually evolved into administrative work.
Over the years, he has earned two graduate degrees and developed experience across secondary, vocational, and adult education. These experiences ultimately led him to his current role as assistant principal.
Transitioning into a leadership position comes with challenges, but Mr. Atlas does not view one challenge as greater than the others. Instead, he emphasizes actively engaging with the school’s diverse programs and working to understand their intended outcomes.
“Honestly, I’m not sure if things will actually change. Assistant principals usually end up focusing on rules and discipline. I want to see if his actions match his words before I believe he’s different. It’s easy to make promises at the start,” said senior Lawrence Lorenzo.
Although it is too early for him to propose major initiatives, he stresses the importance of maintaining excellence in both instruction and learning while expanding opportunities for students in response to changing community needs.
“I think Mr. Atlas is going to be great for the school. He seems approachable, and I like that he really listens instead of brushing off what students say. I’m hopeful he’ll create more opportunities for us to prepare for college and careers,” said senior Gennifer Collins.
Mr. Atlas remains committed to fostering communication, supporting student well-being, and helping create a safe, engaging school community. He encourages students, families, and staff to connect with him, share their ideas, and work together to build an even stronger, more inclusive school environment.
