Principal Dr. Adam Zbrozek returned to campus Aug. 25 after missing the first week of school to celebrate the birth of his first grandchild.

Zbrozek traveled to Texas the first week of school to support his son and daughter-in-law, whose daughter, Oaklynn Ray, was born after a planned induction.

“We were excited,” Zbrozek said. “It was a little surreal seeing my child having a child,” adding he felt “elated” to see the couple “taking the next adult step.”

Zbrozek said he began planning in early summer for the possibility of missing school, preparing for both scenarios—being present or away.

“I had to kind of plan two different ways,” Zbrozek said. “We just didn’t know the official day until about two weeks in front of it.”

Zbrozek said the administrative team divided responsibilities during his absence.

“We did a little bit of sharing between and amongst everyone,” Zbrozek said. “They’re extremely capable, very smart and they’re very willing to help out in every way that they possibly could.”

During the lockdown drill held on the first day of class, the administrative staff along with Student Council advisor Mr. Ricky King shared messages about expectations and procedures with the entire student body, Zbrozek said, he “typically” would have delivered.

“We wanted to make sure that the messages were as clear as possible,” Zbrozek said. 

Though Zbrozek wasn’t on campus to deliver the back-to-school messaging, he said the planning ensured that communication remained consistent.

“The messages would have been the same whether I delivered them or not,” he said. “It was just different. It’s just something that required us to adjust.”

Zbrozek said the transition into the school year went smoothly, crediting staff and students.

“Teachers have shared the same thing—it seems like we’re off to a really good start this year,” Zbrozek said. “Kids seem to be doing exactly what they need to be doing… [The staff] picked up some things that typically I would have done at the beginning of the year, but they were so happy to see us as a family get together for such a great reason. It’s one of the things that makes this place special.”

Zbrozek described meeting his granddaughter for the first time as “pure joy” and “a little disbelief.”

“I couldn’t believe how small she was,” he said.

While Zbrozek said he hasn’t scheduled his next visit, he hopes to return to Texas before Christmas, remaining connected with his family through texting, photos and FaceTime.