Student Activities Director and English teacher Russell Crist has recently been appointed as one of the high school’s new Assistant Principal. Assistant Principal Curt Pandiscio announced his retirement earlier this year, leaving an open spot in the administration.

Out of 196 candidates for the job, Crist was selected from the pool of applicants for the position. Crist has been teaching, coaching, and advising clubs for the past 18 years and is ready for the new challenges in his new position. He looks to maintain the goal he has strived toward for years: putting students first and making an important impact on their school experiences.

“When I started teaching in 2001, I thought that the only way I could have a positive impact on students was in the classroom, but I quickly looked for new and different ways to make a difference. I started coaching and advising clubs and student council. In 2016, I became the Student Activities Director. This opportunity gave me the ability to impact so many more students and even teachers through student council and clubs. This experience has helped me to realize that, as a building leader, I can impact the climate and culture of the school community, allowing me to work with all students, faculty, and staff,” Crist said.

Receiving his Bachelor of Arts and English Teaching from the University of New Hampshire, a Master’s of Arts and Teaching from Quinnipiac University and his Sixth Year Certificate from Central Connecticut State University, Crist began his teaching career at the high school in 2001.

For over 15 years, Crist has been coaching athletics from girls basketball to girls golf. Recently, Crist has worked as the Student Activities Director, organizing clubs and advising student council and has taught the Art of Leadership capstone course at the high school. His work has helped in developing students into active citizens.

“In his roles as teacher, leader and athletic coach, Mr. Crist has approached his work with both care and high expectations. He will be an excellent addition to the outstanding [high school] leadership team and stellar faculty and staff,” Farmington Public Schools Superintendent Kathleen Greider said.

Executive student council president Kieran Mangla has had the opportunity to work closely alongside Crist through the student council, experiencing Crist’s leadership and love for his students first hand.

“Mr. Crist is one of the best leaders I have ever worked with. He is a great communicator, an amazing collaborator, and overall an awesome person to be around. Students love him, faculty members love him, everyone loves him at FHS. Without his constant encouragement and dedication to Student Council, I do not believe we would have accomplished half of what we did this year,” Mangla said.

Crist will be working alongside newly-appointed high school principal and current Irving A. Robbins Principal Scott Hurwitz, Assistant Principal Lisa Kapcinski, and Dean of Students Mary Lundquist in the administration this upcoming school year.

“I have been fortunate to spend the last eighteen years at [the high school] surrounded by dynamic students, talented colleagues, and dedicated mentors in leadership positions. I will continue to put relationships first as I collaborate with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the leadership team to promote a learning environment that supports Vision of the Graduate skills and social, emotional, and academic success for all,” Crist said.

Crist will be appointed the position effective July 1, 2019.