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There is a new face at Phenix Elementary School (PES) this year.

Daniel Richardson was hired as the new principal of the school in July, and last week he welcomed students as they began the new year.

“My broad goal is to mold the students at PES into well-rounded, productive citizens with a strong sense of purpose and self-worth while still demonstrating the very necessary traits of kindness and generosity,” said Richardson. “All of the things we do at PES rotate around this goal. From discipline to curriculum, and every point in between, that’s what education does, it provides the scaffolding for a successful life.”

Richardson graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Liberal Studies and pursued careers in archaeology and management before changing paths to education.

During his time in education, he has taught kindergarten through second grade and has experience as a reading specialist.

In addition to teaching in Hanover County and at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, Richardson has served as the Division instructional technologist, an administrative assistant at Appomattox Primary School and instructional data coach.

Richardson added that he wanted all the students at PES to exhibit “grit.” “Quality, rigorous, meaningful instruction at PES is the most import thing,” he said.

PES currently has 244 students enrolled, and the new principal pointed out that he considers himself approachable, and if parents should have concerns throughout the year, he wants to hear them.

“Our students deserve no less than our best,” added Richardson. “We function as a family toward that goal.”