Although music was the family business growing up, Chris Christensen found that being a principal hit the right note for him. ACSA’s Elementary Principal of the Year has been an ACSA member since 2001 and currently serves as president of the Fountain Valley School District charter and on the Region 17 Board. He is known as an “ACSA Influencer” for encouraging other leaders to join ACSA’s ranks. His school, Courreges Elementary, has been transformed thanks to his efforts, such as putting iPads and Chromebooks in the hands of every student and instituting math and literacy initiatives that have boosted test scores. Christensen has also shown leadership at the district level by chairing a Citizen’s Advisory Committee on closing schools and working to pass a $63 million local bond measure. Whether he’s motiving staff during a difficult modernization effort or dressing up as “Principal Elf of the Shelf” to help with school fundraising efforts, Christensen is his school’s greatest facilitator, lead-learner and cheerleader. “Chris is evidencing his joy in education and is unifying the school toward efficacious learning and a common goal,” said ACSA Region 17 President Jay Adams. What’s your favorite book on leadership?   “The Principal” by Michael Fullan. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?  Life is one big interview … you never know when you have the most profound impact on someone. Oftentimes, you find out many, many years later, so always put your best foot forward!   What are some of your favorite apps?  Zoom :)  What’s your best strategy for work/life balance?  Work hard, play hard!  What are the top life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator?  Your education does not prepare you to be a new administrator. Jump in, don’t try to be someone else, and just be your “best self!”  What made you want to become a school administrator?  I never planned on being in education. I came from a very musical family, as my dad was the director of music at Disneyland in the 1960s-1990s. As a classical cellist, I worked at Disneyland as a stage manager and then became a music teacher when I started a family. However, I received a B.A. in Business/Economics and always wanted to work in the entertainment industry. Principals wear many hats, so I ended up gravitating to administration, as I was able to put my varied background to good use. I love being a principal and love my school!  What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?  My fifth day on the job as an administrator was the morning of 9/11/01. That was a challenging day both emotionally and professionally.   What are you proud of accomplishing?  Raising three amazing kids (Brittany, 24; Miranda, 19; and Conner, 17)! And now I have two bonus kids (Katelynn, 8; and Kara, 6).   Who is someone who inspires you?   Sandy Stahlecker. She hired me as her assistant principal in 2001 at Masuda Middle School in the Fountain Valley School District.  What’s your pre-game ritual to get ready for a big meeting or presentation?   Drink a Dr. Pepper (my favorite drink).  How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?  ACSA has been wonderful! Over the years I have worked with so many outstanding administrators. The past three years, I have served as Charter President and now I am also Co-Director of Sponsorships and Benefits, as well as serving as emcee for our Network Nights in the fall and spring. ACSA allows us to network and collaborate with O.C.’s finest administrators.   What bucket list item do you hope to accomplish this year?  I hope that all of our students can return to “normal” schooling in the fall of 2020. I truly miss my students and staff.  What has the impact of the COVID-19 worldwide health crisis taught you?   There have been so many “silver lining” moments through this pandemic. 1. Teachers have really stepped it up. They are learning so much in the way of educational technology and how to teach differently. 2. Students have learned how to become more self-reliant and are growing despite the recent pandemic. 3. Personally, there have been so many wonderful moments at home with my own kids. I taught my youngest how to ride a bike without training wheels, I brushed up on my own guitar/ukulele skills, and have created so many wonderful memories at home with my family.