Meet the Principal: Christopher Collins
Christopher Collins, principal, Glenside Middle School, Glendale Heights, Queen Bee Elementary District 16
Age: 39 (and holding ... barely!)
Family: A beautiful wife and three amazing boys aged 13, 3 and 2.
Grew up in: Moline, Ill.
Your ultimate pet? My yellow lab, Jack
What's your education philosophy in one sentence? You have to love the kids.
Personal hero? My mother
How did you wind up in education? Because of my passion for working with kids.
What is your dream vacation? Maui! Great place to go.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd ... spend lots of money.
Favorite reality show? "Hell's Kitchen" - Gordon Ramsey is the best!
Cubs or Sox? How about Cubs AND Sox?????
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Atticus Finch From "To Kill a Mockingbird." To show such integrity and courage in the face of such adversity is inspiring.
Musical guilty pleasures? Anything Bon Jovi
Favorite childhood book? "Where the Wild Things Are."
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? All of the above!
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? Assessment for Learning strategies.
Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student? "Shooooot."
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? That others will see that success with kids is all about the relationship you develop with them.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Unlimited access to the internet.
Thing that makes today's students distinct? Their ability to manipulate technology.
If I could change one thing about the world it would be ... that students that live in poverty have equal access to an excellent education.
If you could paint your office any color it would be... Battleship Gray!!!!! No other color will suffice!
Meet the Principal is an occasional series by Catherine Edman introducing readers to the men and women who sit in the corner offices of schools across DuPage County. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.