While she spends a great deal of time and energy on her work, new Principal Amy Hansen “really likes to do things outdoors,” she said. Whether it is walking, running or biking, she prefers the open air. And when she cannot be biking with a group on the streets of San Francisco, she gladly sits down with a book or works on a quilting or baking project, said Hansen, who admitted a soft spot for desserts.

These activities may be pushed to the side for now, however, while Hansen adapts to the challenges of her new position of filling the shoes of Paul Cheng. Excited to be part of the Lowell community, Hansen hopes “to help (the school) run in the most positive way in order to benefit the students, teachers and families,” she said.

Hansen said she has no major plans for change and wants to help the school continue to grow in the direction that it is going.

Surveying classroom activities is what she enjoys most. The “most important thing that occurs in a high school is what happens in the classroom,” Hansen said. When visiting the classrooms, “I usually leave smiling.”

As a newcomer, Hansen spent the first few days of school displaying a “principal” tag on her shirt to inform all who couldn’t recognize her that she is the new principal. The “students have been just so welcoming,” she said. “It really is a pleasure being here.”

Hansen isn’t the only one excited for the new school year. “Although losing Cheng was a disappointment, I am very interested in having a woman principal. It’s nice to see women in charge and influencing young people,” senior Morgan Molvig said. “I am excited to see how this year turns out.”

While Hansen is a newcomer to Lowell, she is anything but a newcomer to education. She came to Lowell with over 20 years of experience working in high schools.

Hansen began her teaching career at Berkeley High School as a biology, chemistry, AP Chemistry and biotechnology teacher. She started taking on administrative duties while still working as a teacher and then began at Albany High School as an assistant principal, according to her Aug. 25 online message on the Lowell Web site (www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch697).

Hansen spent her last four years as principal of Skyline High School in Oakland.

Hansen has had other work experience as well. She graduated from UC-Los Angeles after studying biological sciences and worked as a research associate in biotechnology. She then went on to work as a union organizer for public employees.

Hansen’s priorities are “to maintain and enhance academic excellence,” according the online message. “And to assure students of a safe, supportive and positive learning environment.”

And if nothing else, Hansen hopes to “understand the mod schedule.”