From his first job as a middle and high school arts teacher to his later work as a district-wide administrator, Chris Martin’s career has involved a wide range of educational experiences. Now, he is bringing that past experience along with fresh energy to WHS as the school’s new assistant principal.

   Before moving into administration, Martin spent eight years teaching middle and high school in Norwood. Frequent changes in school leadership eventually led Martin to consider a different role.

   “There was a point in my teaching career where I had eight principals in six years and it was frustrating,” said Martin. “I decided I wanted to get into administration to ensure teachers and students feel supported.”

   That decision eventually took Martin beyond the classroom and into district-level administration.

   “I was working as an administrator in Westborough for 12 years prior to coming to Weston,” said Martin. “I oversaw curriculum, staff, students, and programming in art, journalism, music, and theater in grades PreK-12.”

   While Martin gained a lot of useful experience doing this work, he eventually realized that he wanted to narrow his focus during the next stage of his career.

   “I was really looking for an opportunity to focus on one [school] building,” said Martin. “Weston High School was the only job I applied for.”

   Martin has quickly discovered that the role of assistant principal revolves around helping all aspects of the school function well   “I spend my day supporting students, teachers, and Mrs. Bairstow to make sure everything is running smoothly,” said Martin. “Every day is busy and offers new challenges, which makes the job so fun.” 

   Martin is not the only member of the WHS administration who is feeling positive about his work so far.

   “Mr. Martin is a great partner,” said principal Sue Bairstow. “The experience he brought from Westborough has allowed him to hit the ground running.”

   Martin also recognizes how this new role has enabled him to build upon his prior positions.

   “I enjoy learning how schools manage different scenarios and offering insights into how I’ve experienced things in order to help solve problems,” said Martin.

   Beyond administrative work, much of Martin’’s role also depends on his day-to-day interactions throughout the school. 

   “He has a great sense of humor that has brought positive energy to the team,” said Bairstow. “When people come into the office, he is ready to listen and respond, and everyone leaves with a smile.”

   Students have also begun forming impressions of Martin through their everyday interactions around WHS.

    “He has been super understanding, and he’s always energetic and smiley,” said senior Ryla Gill. “His happiness seems genuine, and it’s pretty contagious.”

   Martin has also made an effort to be visible throughout the building, sometimes stopping into classrooms and other spaces during the day.

   “I think he is really enthusiastic about his job,” said senior Sam Clark. “He popped into my theater class once, and he seemed to be pretty invested.”

     Staff members have also had opportunities to work with Martin and appreciate how he approaches his responsibilities that involve them. 

   “I think he is a positive presence in the school,” said speech and language pathologist Brandon Jurewicz. “He holds to his word if he says he is going to do something.”

   For students who have had fewer interactions with Martin, good impressions are still forming.

   “I don’t really know him, or much about him, but I want to get to know him,” said sophomore Sophia Nguyen. “He seems nice, and a good addition to the community.”

   Martin’s visibility has also extended beyond the regular school day and staff meetings into extra-curricular events and games.

   “He came up to us during the football game and was very supportive,” said senior Komal Jasuja, a pep band player. “Ms. Nalven always brings up how lucky we are to have someone in administration who is very experienced with music and can support our extensive music program, and I agree.” 

   Those events have also shaped some of Martin’s first impressions of the WHS community.

   “Everyone at Weston has been incredibly kind and welcoming,” said Martin. “My favorite memory so far has been getting to some of our games and seeing how the students come together to support one another.” 

   The many positive reactions to Martin’s interactions with students and staff reflect his commitment to a goal that guides how he approaches his role as assistant principal.

   “High school can be a stressful time for so many students, and I’ve always tried to make people feel comfortable,” said Martin. “If I can make someone’s day by being friendly or making them laugh, then it’s worth it.”