Dr. Koch taught English here at Prairie Ridge High School from 2001-2008, spent time as a district administrator of staff development, then returned to PR to become its newest principal. The teaching experiences he remembers have an impact on the way he contributes to the school. Credited with degrees in English Education and English Literature, Dr. Koch is an intelligent, friendly, and hardworking individual whose dedication to the school is clearly evident.

When asked to respond to the question, “what do you wish to accomplish by the end of the year,” he replied with “primarily, I’d like to get to know as many students as I can. I want to know who they are and what their plans are.” He dedicates parts of his days to sit in during classes and observe the behavior. He also gets the opportunity to address any problems and become a more involved principal.

His advice to students involves becoming involved in your surroundings was a “predictor of success. It’s also a great way to meet people.” During his early years as a teenager in Stevenson High School, Dr. Koch recalls that he was an involved student who participated in “NHS, football, and intramural basketball.” He added that although he was busy he “had a blast.” Prairie Ridge offers many opportunities as well, and he encourages that students take them.

Even today, he manages his busy schedule. During the average day, Dr. Koch answers many phone calls, talks to parents, pops into classrooms, answers emails, and deals with teacher drop-ins. He doesn’t mind managing all this work, considering that his main admiration about Prairie Ridge was the teachers. He mentions that they’re “so dedicated to students and will do whatever they can to help.” Also, he says that the teachers hired “love what they do,” which makes the school what it is.

In addition, he also encourages parental participation by hosting parents night and administering a weekly email to help improve the system of suggestions flowing in from parents. He wants Prairie Ridge to remain the cohesive unit it already is and he wants this school to be a legacy impossible to shake. He aims for the “alumni to be proud” and for people to know about the school and its accomplishments.

He achieves this by living and guiding this school through the motto “work hard, play hard.” Dr. Koch is a firm believer that by living through this motto, anybody can find the “perfect balance between fun and hard work.” Overall, Dr. Koch’s takes his responsibilities towards this school seriously and his determination to improve the school is very apparent.