East Lyme ― As the first day of school approaches on Aug. 29, new Lillie B. Haynes Elementary School Principal Brian Kalkreuth continues to study the names and faces of students and fellow staff members in the school yearbook.

Kalkreuth, 37, learned over 250 student names in his previous job as assistant principal in the town of Sherman. He has challenged himself to learn all 350 student names at Lillie B. Haynes.

He succeeds former Principal Melissa DeLoreto, who retired after serving six years in her role at the elementary school and many years in the East Lyme school district.

Superintendent Jeffrey Newtown said DeLoreto “did a wonderful job. She moved the school forward and helped propel our district.”

At the end of the school year, Newton said Kalkreuth spent some time meeting with school parents and bonding with the Lillie B. Haynes community during a forum hosted by the parent teacher association.

“He’s very personable. He’ll be great with our children, families and staff,” Newton said about Kalkreuth. “We expect Brian to hopefully work with us for a long time.”

Newton described him as someone who is interested in “building relationships and who is focused on social, emotional learning and supports, and high academic achievements.”

Kalkreuth was previously the assistant principal at The Sherman School, a pre-school through eighth grade program in the single school district of Sherman.

“My first year was our COVID year. Last year was the first normal year,” Kalkreuth said of his time as assistant principal at The Sherman School.

Prior to this, Kalkreuth spent 12 years in Region 4 school system at the Chester Elementary School. He taught second, fifth, and sixth grades, as well as served as the math coach for two years. Kalkreuth said that after his role as a sixth-grade math and science teacher, he began to take on more leadership opportunities as a math coach. The role involved working with the Deep River and Essex schools on kindergarten through sixth grade planning.

“It has always been on my mind to return to this area. I was thrilled that I had the opportunity to come back. I have a lot of professional colleagues out this way,” Kalkreuth said.

Kalkreuth lives in Guilford with his wife Leigha and their two dogs.

For the short term, Kalkreuth’s goals include cultivating relationships and establishing trust with students and staff. He plans to do a lot of listening and to be curious.

“It’s a big staff. There’s a lot happening. It’s a new frontier for me and everybody,” Kalkreuth said. “There’s a lot of exciting work at the forefront.”

When asked how he plans to relate with the students, Kalkreuth said he will make sure he is pronouncing their names correctly and that he learns what they like.

“You’ll find me mixing it up in the cafeteria. I want to be a visible presence. I can’t lead from the office,” Kalkreuth said. “It’s important that they know I care about them.”