New elementary and middle school principal Justin Horne was named Illinois Principal of the Year from the Illinois Association of Health, PE, Recreation, and Dance. According to Mr. Horne, creating a healthy learning environment is critical to academic success. “I’ve always looked at school through the lens of health and wellness and how we can best meet the student’s academic needs,” remarked Mr. Horne.

Mr. Horne is Timothy’s newest addition to the already outstanding faculty and staff and the timing could not be better. He was nominated for Principal of the Year because his former colleagues from Hinsdale District 181 admired his support for health, daily PE, movement, and outdoor education. He will receive the award in December 2020.

Back in April, when Timothy parents were figuring out online learning with their students, Mr. Horne was doing the same. As a father, Mr. Horne understands the importance of on-campus learning and is working alongside Timothy’s Health & Wellness Committee to ensure the campus is ready for students by August 19. 

“We want to have a nurse on campus at all times,” he remarked. Timothy will have two nurses along with an assistant on campus, who will help with data collection and follow-up with families. Taking part in a health task force and allergy committee has allowed Mr. Horne to discover strong ideas to improve the environment on campus. 

Timothy Christian Schools Health & Wellness plan has the wellbeing of the entire community in mind. Students must have their temperature taken each day before school. Over three hundred hand sanitizing stations are placed all over the campus along with over a thousand signs representing the healthy guidelines. The campus will be thoroughly cleaned after school and during the school day. “Continual hand washing, not touching your face, not sharing as many supplies, making sure they stay home when they’re sick,” Mr. Horne said. “These habits should all help in the long run!”