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Meet the Principal

Principal Ryan Lucas and his family.
June 2026

Dear Bear Creek K-8 Families, Prospective Families, and Community Members,

Welcome to Bear Creek K-8, home of the Bears! I am honored to begin my 19th year as a principal and my 26th year as an educator serving this incredible school community. My connection to Bear Creek K-8 began in 2001, when I started my career here as a student teacher. Returning now as principal is both meaningful and exciting.

Bear Creek K-8 is a close-knit community of students, staff, and families who work together to make our school one of the most sought-after schools in Lakewood. It is a privilege to join a school with such a strong reputation and an even stronger sense of community.

To our new families, welcome! The transition to a new school can be exciting, and it can also come with questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Our office team — Tracy, Catherine, and Marcie — is a tremendous resource and can help answer many of the questions that come up throughout the school year.

I encourage all families to stay engaged in our school community, whether through Watch PAWS, PTA, our School Accountability Committee, classroom support, or simply by staying connected and informed. Your voice, partnership, and involvement matter.

As principal, I believe strong school leadership is grounded in clear priorities. For me, those priorities are simple:

  1. Keep everyone safe.
  2. Ensure every student grows academically, socially, and emotionally.
  3. Create joyful, memorable school experiences.

While all three matter deeply, they must be held in that order: safety first, growth next, and joy woven throughout. These priorities connect directly to our mission to develop minds and inspire hearts.

On a personal note, my wife, Kelly, and I were married in 2016. Owen is a student at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, and Audrey is in fifth grade. We also have two cats, Radar and Klinger. As a family, we enjoy traveling, playing games, and spending time together.

I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve the Bear Creek K-8 community, and I look forward to partnering with our students, staff, families, and community members for years to come.

Sincerely,
Ryan R. Lucas