Saco Middle School Principal Kenneth Hawkins, right, right traveled extensively over the past year with his family, from left, sons Jack and Owen, daughter Kate and wife Michelle. COURTESY PHOTO/Kenneth Hawkins

SACO — Newly hired Saco Middle School Principal Kenneth Hawkins is eagerly awaiting the school year.

Hawkins, 46, has 22 years in the field of education and began his career as an eighth-grade science teacher. Prior to traveling with his family for a year, he served as the principal at Kenneth A. Brett School in Tamworth, New Hampshire for five years, and before that, was assistant principal at York Middle School for nine years.

He began the position at Saco Middle School on July 1, replacing former principal Brian Campbell.

On Wednesday morning, the halls of Saco Middle School were empty, the school quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling activity during the school year, when, according to number from the Maine Department of Education, about 560 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders are in attendance.

Sitting at his desk, Hawkins said he was using the summer months to his advantage to take the time to get to know staff before school starts in September.

“I’m inviting staff to meet with me one on one,” he said.

As a newcomer, Hawkins also wants to take the time to learn the school culture and get to know the students.

“I believe when coming into a new school, you shouldn’t come in with immediate plans to change things. You need to get to know the school and its community inside and out,” he said.

Hawkins said over the years, there has been an increased focus in education on indivdual students and educators are embracing new and dynamic ways to educate children.

“The teachers here (at Saco Middle School), are excited about teaching and have been talking about doing some innovative educational practices,” he said.

He said as principal, his job is to make sure students are learning in a safe enviornment, and he wants to make sure the school has an open line of communication with parents.

Hawkins comes fresh from a year of traveling with his family. He and his wife Michelle, home-schooled their three children, Kate, Owen and Jack, as they first traveled across the country and then abroad to Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Highlights of the trip included in the United States included seeing Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Zion National Park as well as visiting family.

Hawkins said the inspiration to take the trip came from a conversation he had many years ago at a school in Portsmouth with a parent who was preparing for a similar trip with her children.

Hawkins said he decided to take the trip last year, before his children started high school and had jobs or other obligations that would make it hard to take such a trip.

“There’s no perfect time to stop and take a breath, but it worked,” he said.

The trip not only allowed the family to visit many incredible sights, but it brought them closer together, and Hawkins said by the trip’s end, his children became expert travelers.

Hawkins was interviewed earlier this year by two interview panels with 13 stakeholders in each group. Panel members included teachers from Saco Middle School, parents, community members, instructional support staff, administration, school board members and a student.

The interview teams rated the candidates experience with project based and proficiency based learning, culture, references, writing ability, and interactions with students and staff during their school visit, said Superintendent of Schools Dominic DePatsy. The interview teams and the school board felt Hawkins would develop strong personal relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.

“Ken believes that the school environment, at its most fundamental level, should foster teamwork, promote wellness, and the development of the whole student,” said DePatsy.

Music teacher Nicole Wise was part of the interview team and said she is excited to work with Hawkins.

“During the interview process, it was clear .that he is someone who thinks before he speaks and will listen and gather information before making a decision,” said Wise. “I love that he comes from a background of middle school administration.  I think that the future is bright for SMS.”

DePatsy said 16 candidates applied for the position, and six were interviewed.

Hawkins lives in Kittery and said has coached children’s athletic teams. He enjoys exercise and the outdoors as a way to relax and clear his head. He also participates in triathlons and in the winter skis and snowboards with his children.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com