St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak has a new principal on the job.
Chris Francik comes to the school with 23 years of teaching experience. For eight of those years he was a teacher and a principal.
The K-8 school at 508 S. Williams Street has about 100 students, and is across the street from St. Paul Lutheran Church.
The private school offers a faith-based foundation to an nationally accredited academic curriculum. There is also a preschool program for children ages 3 and 4.
“I want to create an environment of modeling God’s love at the school with the best possible education so students are prepared for adult life,” Francik said in a statement.
He got his bachelor’s degree in education at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Francik holds two master’s degrees – one in educational curriculum and instruction, the other in educational administration.
He said he is interested in “building on what is going on in St. Paul’s welcoming community.”
Students and staff at the school take part in the Arts, Beats & Eats Festival with parking, a beverage booth and recycling.
In the fall, school members hand out candy from decorated vehicles during the downtown Royal Oak Spooktacular event. The school choir sings patriotic songs during the city’s Veterans Day recognition service. Other activities in the community include participation in walking in the Memorial Day Parade.
Multi-grade activities include walking field trips around town to traditional and historic locations.
“Collaboration is vital,” Francik said, adding that it begins by developing relationships among teachers and staff in preparation for the upcoming school year.
He said he looks forward to learning all the students’ names and enjoying their different personalities.
Francik also plans to develop relationships with parents at events throughout the school year.
Royal Oak’s City Commission in 2016 recognized St. Paul Lutheran School for its 100th year anniversary as a school and its active participation in the community over the years.
More information about the school is available online at stpaulroyaloak.org.
