Wonder is the beginning of wisdom, according to Socrates, and Shawn Lyons, the new principal at Middleburg and Aldie Elementary schools is committed to create a learning environment filled with wonder and fascination for his students.

"I want kids to love to come to school," Shawn emphasizes. If we do our job well, it will be a long time before they think of learning as work. If they never think of it as work, we've done our job."

The charming and dedicated young man credits his wife, Susan with recognizing in him the desire and ability to teach.

"She was so right," he continued. "We were both working at a summer camp in Armonk, New York and I had been encouraged by the Parks and Recreation Department to 'be creative.' I set up a climbing path and obstacles for the children and, after watching me for a morning, Susan said, 'I've never seen anyone set up an obstacle course for five-year olds!'"

Shawn had just graduated from Hamilton College and thought he might pursue a Ph.D. in sociology to do research.

"No," Susan said, "You definitely need to work with kids!"

Shortly thereafter, the new principal decided to ask Susan on a date, and, although a few details got in the way, the first date was a definite success, and they were married three years later.

A sports lover, Shawn played football in college.

"Hamilton plays football in the New England Small College Athletic Conference," he explained. "All the rankings are alphabetical and no one plays to be 'on top'. It sends a clear message that academics come first."

The Lyons family, Shawn, Susan and their two sons, Patrick and Thomas, has lived in Loudoun for eight years.

Before accepting the Middleburg and Aldie positions, he was the Assistant Principal at Pinebrook near Aldie.

"We had almost 1,100 students at Pinebrook," Shawn says. "In Aldie and Middleburg combined, I have almost 200 students. I love the intimacy that exists at these two schools. Everyone knows everyone, and they take good care of each other."

"Each of these schools has been threatened with closure, so we know what we're up against, but the staff, the kids and the families are so well connected that the schools are intensely positive places."

"I wanted to be part of something like this...bringing positive energy and supporting the hands-on critical skills kids respond to so well."

Karen Roche, the former principal at Aldie and Middleburg Elementaries, accepted the principal's position at the new Moorefield Station school, creating the opening that Principal Lyons now fills.

"It's an honor to have this responsibility,' Shawn continued. And, with the new open enrollment policy, it is possible that many Loudoun parents will look seriously at enrollment here. Many parents believe in the public school experience. I certainly do. Now, it will be possible for us to welcome any Loudoun County elementary school student."

"I've taught in both public and private schools." Shawn taught at New Canaan Country School in Connecticut and The Hackley School in New York prior to coming to Loudoun.

Some people prefer private schools, and others believe in what public schools offer--the public school experience. I certainly do. I think at Aldie and Middleburg we can provide the best of both experiences."

Both Middleburg and Aldie Elementary Schools are kindergarten through fifth grade.

Although the new principal is more comfortable subscribing to the STEAM rather than simply the STEM best learning practices (in other words, he prefers to include the Arts in the process), he is determined to bring math and science forward in every classroom.

"We want to bring in more digital devices for both students and teachers. We need these tools to make certain our students can compete in today's world."

His admiration for the Loudoun County Public Schools is clear.

"People who say the U.S. education system is suffering should come to Loudoun County. The national conversation and concern often miss all the terrific things some systems do. We have great schools in LCPS with passionate administrators and teachers. Our schools are very impressive and we serve our students well. It is my great pleasure to be part of the LCPS team and to have an opportunity to make a contribution to the education we provide our youngsters."