Don't look for new French Run Principal Chris Hardy only at his desk -- he's more likely to be out on the playground with students or mingling with them in class.

"One of my most important goals right now is to build relationships with the students, families and staff at French Run," he said. "It is important to take out time to get to know each of the students in our school personally, whether it's at lunch, in the hallway or sitting on the carpet in a classroom during math."

The first day of class for Reynoldsburg City Schools was Aug. 29. French Run and the other elementary schools went through a staggered start, with half of the students attending on Aug. 29, the other half on Aug. 30 and all students attending together on Aug. 31.

Hardy is a familiar face to many of his staff members; he taught second grade and was an instructional coach at French Run from 2006-2010.

He served as an administrative intern at Slate Ridge during the 2010-11 school year, then taught second grade at Summit Road last school year.

In a letter to parents posted on the French Run Elementary website, Hardy wrote, "I write this letter with great excitement and hope for endless possibilities.

"French Run is a building with a long history of success and I am committed to continuing that tradition, while placing an emphasis on technology, student interest/choice and problem solving to instill 21st-century learning skills for all of our students," he wrote. "I look forward to collaborating with you to make French Run a place of innovation with a clear focus on growing critical thinkers of all ages."

Hardy said one of his goals this year is to "know each family member of my students by name."

"I know it may be a tall order, but it will help me to serve the students in our school and I believe it shows families how important they are to their child's education," he said.

Hardy and his wife, Jeannette, are the parents of two children, Maddie, 5, and Emelia, 15 months.