Staff Introduction: Mr. Olson

Hopefully, by now, you have all gotten a chance to meet Mr. Olson since he replaced Ms. Beaupre as associate principal and, more relevant to us, as the person who wishes us a successful Monday as we stagger into school.

Mr. Olson grew up in NH and fell into a career in education after taking a life-changing course while at the University of New Hampshire. Teachers had always been an inspiration, but throughout high school and the start of college, working in education was never the expressed goal. As an English Major, Mr. Olson took an introductory education course that involved the firsthand experience of being put into a classroom and teaching kids, all while still in college. Convinced to pursue a career in education, he acquired 15 years of experience in various settings, most recently working in a middle school before making the move to Hanover High.

I got a chance to talk with Mr. Olson about Hanover High and the distinctive culture of our school. He mentioned how Hanover High School is inclined to trust students and give them the benefit of the doubt. While other schools may operate under a policy of extreme caution, Hanover High is unique in taking a position of confidence in students from the start. On first and second impressions, Hanover High is a confident institution, confident in its students, curriculum, structure, and philosophy.

Critical as always, never to grow self-congratulatory—we also discussed a few challenges facing our school and community. Hanover High School has always been a relatively sheltered and privileged place. Still, the world continues to change, and we are given more and more opportunities to make connections that would have been previously impossible. He concluded that what’s important is to prepare students and our community for this changing world and the opportunities and challenges it grants.

Mr. Olson’s passion for education and dedication to working with the rest of the administrative staff to lead Hanover High School forward is evident, and I am happy to have him as one of our inspired staff.