As the 2021-2022 school year has started, Eaglecrest has welcomed new faces to the administrative roster - including Katie Lloyd. Formally acting as assistant to the principal, Lloyd’s new position removes “to the.” Now acting as an assistant principal, she oversees departments and even has her own assistant. But first and foremost, one thing has not changed: teamwork.

“We're always just trying to continue to collaborate and think together, and it's just been a fun group to continue to do that with. Bringing new voices to the table and changing the dynamic is just always a fun way to see if we want to try new things,” Lloyd said. “I think we're all open to trying new things after last school year.”

Even after last year’s many, many challenges, Lloyd is keeping her head up and eyes forward. The future is a hard thing to predict. In this new position, Lloyd is now a part of decisions that affect student and staff’s day-to-day or long-run lives. She was a part of the decision to make learning a bigger part of education. That sounds like a typo, yet this is a big step into the future of schools.

“I think that we are in a spot where we're really trying to do some different things instructionally and with grading so our students are really learning the content - rather than trying to get through content,” Lloyd said. “And I think that our teachers are doing a really good job of embracing that and learning more about that. If there is any way that I can support teachers and champion what they're doing so that our kids can continue to grow and be better learners, I will. I just want to support teachers the best I can, so that they feel comfortable trying new things that are going to help kids.”

Faculty, resources and innovation swirl around school plans, but kids are the true center of any good educator's mission statement. Lloyd always has kids at the heart of her thoughts. Kids are where Lloyd’s thoughts were when Raptor Academy was implemented in place of Raptor 101 for ninth graders who needed extra academic support a few years ago.

“I think that [Raptor Academy] was a big change from just kind of expecting ninth graders to get on board. Whereas now, we have this whole system that if it's not working for you or if it is working for you, then we have ways to accelerate or slow down and meet you where you are,” Lloyd said.

The success of Raptor Academy did not come without learning curves or changes in trajectory. Yet, Lloyd believes, positive change cannot happen without a few bumps. When lost in the path, look to others for ideas or their support - even if they are not at Eaglecrest.

“You can always get inspired through reading or visiting other schools. I'm really excited about the CCIC pathways, and also how we kind of can integrate some of that here. I feel like if kids can explore more pathways at a younger age, then you go, either into college or a career or the military, with a little more insight as to what's possible,” Lloyd said. “I felt like that was what was really missing for me in high school. I didn't know it was possible.”

Lloyd’s high school, unfortunately, did not foster her undiscovered passions. She had a regular school path and did not get the opportunity to be innovative. Unbeknownst to her, Lloyd would come to regret not diving deep into her coursework.

“I went to school in Virginia. It was a smaller school. I had a great little group of friends. I danced, and I worked a lot - I worked at a really young age and worked all the way through high school. And I liked school, but I wasn't particularly challenged by my school. I liked the social elements of school,” Lloyd said. “I liked learning, but I wish that someone had inspired me to go deeper in a subject. I feel like I just did everything I was supposed to do, but I never went really deep in any elective. And I wish that I had done that.”

Eaglecrest has, in part, changed Lloyd’s perspective on what schooling has to offer. High school can be more than just an eight-period cycle, and, with Lloyd’s assistance, our staff can help students realize the limitless sky.

“And I think that we have so many cool electives here and a potential to learn about just like so much more and I think it's really exciting for you guys and I want to help expand that,” Lloyd said. “I think being able to learn more deeply in your classes, getting rid of surface-level learning and being able to really engage and forge your own path I think can be really exciting for students.”

The future is exciting for Lloyd; she sees the endless potential of Eaglecrest. And Eaglecrest should be excited that there is someone with boundless ideas and energy to bring to the table.