Calvin Adams isn’t one to back down from an adventure, and being the new assistant principal at Rock Ridge sure is one. From trying to get used to the building to trying to connect with students, the Pittsburgh native joins the staff this school year to ensure that RRHS keeps its positive school spirit and maintains its inclusivity.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Adams first started his teaching career as a history teacher at Freedom High School, where he was also the SCA sponsor and the activities coordinator. He spent the next 11 years in that position until he was promoted to assistant principal of Stone Bridge high school.

After several successful years at Stone Bridge, Adams started looking for something new. “I came here because I was excited for a new change, ” Adams said. “I heard great things about the school.”

Following the transfer of former Rock Ridge Assistant Principal Jennfier Cavanaugh to Potomac Falls, Adams’ exchange was approved by Principal John Duellman, who has collaborated with Adams before. “Every time I met him previously, we worked on things,” Duellman said. “He’s always been absolutely fantastic, very positive, and very outgoing.”  

The change was also met with positive reception from English teacher Katy Greiner, a former student of Adams, who was excited about the possibility of crossing paths with her former government teacher. “I was sad to see Ms. Cavanaugh go, but when she let the staff know she was going to leave, I texted [Susan] Spengeman, who’s a very good friend of Adams and was like, ‘Susan, you have to tell Cal of the position.’”

As a teacher, Adams was adventurous and open during his time at Freedom High School. “It was his first year teaching [that class],” Greiner said. “But he was very honest with us about it. And so we were kind of all on this journey throughout the year together in this brand new class.”

So now as an assistant principal, Adams just wants to get to know the school and the students more. “The building is beautiful,” Adams said. “What I really like so far is all my interactions with students. Everyone seems so nice.”

Although Adams is still familiarizing himself with the school, he does want to implement ideas from his past schools—and possibly upgrade some areas on campus. “I’m very excited about some of the things that I’ve done in other schools, like when I brought unified sports to Stone Bridge, ” Adams said. “And while I think it’s not possible, I think we need to get another road to Rock Ridge.” 

Looking forward to the rest of the school year, Adam’s goal is to make a positive impact on as many people this year, especially students. “[I want]to ensure that the students of Rock Ridge have a very happy and successful year,” Adams said.