Chancellor Lonon became Principal Lonon this week.
Lonon was among the notable participants in this year’s “Principal for a Day” program with Dallas Independent School District, which partners with the Dallas Regional Chamber and Capital One to bring community leaders inside schools across the city.
Lonon spent his day strolling the hallways and gaining valuable insight from school leaders and students at W.H. Adamson High School.
“It’s always good to get on the ground and engage,” Lonon said. “It’s good to see and talk to folks about what’s working, what’s not working. It’s always nice to hear from them and be able to take that back to our team to tweak and improve whatever we need to.”
Lonon started his day in the school’s lobby, being greeted by the cheer squad and marching band. He then toured the Adamson P-TECH building, which is affiliated with Dallas College, before sitting in on a math class.
Lonon also soaked in the cafeteria atmosphere during lunch period and spent the afternoon with JROTC students as well as athletics.
Throughout the day, Lonon was able to meet with students and hear their stories. Those interactions always provide perspective, whether it’s a student who is getting back on track after being in the juvenile justice system or possibly the first in their family to graduate high school.
“The students are so engaging and it’s just nice to see them at this stage in life really trying to think about what comes next,” Lonon said. “Many students here at Adamson are first-generation students, so seeing the support the school provides for them is encouraging.”
Lonon went on to rave about Adamson principal Stephanie Amaya. It became clear the level of investment Amaya has in the students, calling just about every one by their name.
“Principal Amaya is so personally committed and engaged with each student,” Lonon said, “it’s exactly the kind of leadership you would hope is taking care of our kids.”
In the end, it was a win-win for all involved.