Farewell Message from Mr. Mark Koopman

Thank you is just the start. As I prepare to step away from the principal position at Hanover JSHS, I want to discuss what it has meant to be the principal of such a wonderful and caring staff of educators and support team members. I wish everyone had a chance to see our students for the incredible individuals that they are every day when they get off the bus. They work to improve themselves. They strive for something different, something better, and sometimes they don’t even know what that is but they know it is what they need to do. They struggle. They grow. They make mistakes and learn from them. That is real-world!

I have been known to tell our staff, “If we win their hearts, we will win their heads”. When the student believes in themselves, creates positive experiences, and accepts our care and concern for them as a person, then we can start the teaching and learning. During the last four years, I have watched our team of teachers, coaches, sponsors, kitchen staff, paraprofessionals, custodians, administrative assistants, and administrators dedicate and sacrifice time with their own families to be here for our students. They show up early and stay late and do it with little fanfare. Teachers don’t ask for parades or their names on a flashing marquee. What they want is our Hanover families to see and support all children the way we see them- as the young learners who need supportive resources from those who mean the most to them – their family. That’s what we want. For those same people to come alongside and join us in providing positive interactions and opportunities consistently throughout their educational careers. To show up and support their participation in teacher conferences, sporting events, concerts, art shows, and yes, even in their mistakes because that is real-world too!

My deepest gratitude is left to those who I have had the privilege of working with every day at Hanover Junior-Senior High School. I came for the job and leave with a high level of gratefulness and respect for those who contributed to the growth and success of our school, our programs, and most of all, our students. Hanover teachers continue to amaze and humble me with their efforts to ensure a student’s well-being while challenging them to be better, not perfect, just better. Your ability to show up every day with deadlines looming, when you were “under the weather”, and when you were tired after a long week of Homecoming events puts you in my highest regard as the ultimate professionals. So I end the same way I started, by simply and humbly saying, “Thank you.”

Servant leader,

Mr. Koopman

Welcome Our New Principal: Greg Biga

We are excited to introduce Greg Biga as the new principal of Hanover Jr/Sr High School. Mr. Biga brings a wealth of experience and passion for education that will greatly benefit our students and school community.

With 31 years of combined experience in education, Mr. Biga has served in various roles including principal, classroom teacher, college coach, and university employee. His diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of educational excellence and student development at all levels. As an award-winning educator, he has demonstrated his commitment to fostering academic achievement and creating positive learning environments.

Mr. Biga is a dedicated family man who shares his life with his wife Jennifer, who serves as Assistant Director of Student Employment at UCCS. Together, they are proud parents of three children: Shannon (16), Audrey (14), and Isaac (13). This personal experience as a parent of school-age children gives him valuable insight into the needs and concerns of families in our community.

Mr. Biga has expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Hanover Jr/Sr High School family, stating that he is thrilled to serve our students and community. His combination of extensive professional experience, recognition for educational excellence, and genuine commitment to student success makes him an ideal leader for our school.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Biga to Hanover Jr/Sr High School. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, staff, and entire school community.