With a copy of "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss on the bookcase behind his desk, Keene Mill Elementary's new principal Nick Rousos is ready to start his own journey with his new students.
Rousos, who most recently served as assistant principal at Cherry Run Elementary, has worked in the Fairfax County Public School system for 13 years. A graduate of Lake Braddock Secondary School, he earned his undergraduate degree from George Mason University.
"I've lived in Fairfax County my whole life," Rousos laughed. He says the same of his wife, Gina, who graduated from Annandale High School. They have 3 1/2-year-old twins, Avery and Alexa.
Rousos said he's always wanted to be a principal and was eager to apply to work at Keene Mill as soon as he saw the position was available.
"I waited until my kids got a little older, so I could be more involved with them," he said. ""When I saw this position was open, I jumped at the chance."
While at Keene Mill, Rousos said he hopes to continue bringing together students and families from across the educational program, joining general education students with those in the special education preschool and the gifted/talented center.
"We're all working toward the best possible exposure for all the kids to build them out as well-rounded world citizens," he said. "Independent of culture or ability of the people they interact with, our students should be able to hold their own."
Rousos said he doesn't intend to change any of the pre-existing programs at Keene Mill but hopes to enhance them if possible.
"We all want the children here to be their best," he said. "We want to include everyone."
Outside of school, Rousos said he enjoys riding his motorcycle with a group of three other school administrators.
He also spends a lot of time at home with his children, driving them to soccer and ballet practice.