Mahpiya Luta High School welcomes Connor Moynihan-Janis as its new High School Principal for the 2026–2027 school year.
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Connor first came to Mahpiya Luta in 2018 through the Magis Program. He spent three years teaching Social Studies at the Middle School before serving as Dean of Students at Batesland. He eventually returned to Mahpiya Luta, where he taught at the High School for three years. Last year, Connor stepped into school leadership as Principal of Mahpiya Luta Middle School, and he is now honored to continue serving the community as High School Principal.
Throughout his time at Mahpiya Luta, Connor has had the opportunity to serve the community in many different roles—from volunteer and bus driver to coach, teacher, and administrator. These experiences have helped him build meaningful relationships with students, families, and the broader community while giving him an even deeper appreciation for the people who make Mahpiya Luta special.
Connor’s path into education began with a desire to work directly with students and help inspire meaningful change in their lives. As an educator, he valued building relationships with students and supporting their academic and personal growth. Over time, he became drawn to educational leadership because of the opportunity to create positive change on a broader, school-wide level and to advocate for both students and educators.
As he begins this new role, Connor is especially excited to work alongside students and staff to cultivate a school environment centered on learning, growth, and continuous improvement. He looks forward to learning from the High School’s teachers and staff while building upon the strengths and traditions that make the Mahpiya Luta community unique.
One of Connor’s hopes is that every student feels safe, welcomed, valued, and supported when they walk through the school doors each day. He wants students to feel empowered to be the best versions of themselves and to understand that making mistakes is a natural and important part of learning. Ultimately, he hopes students leave Mahpiya Luta feeling confident, prepared, and equipped to pursue their own unique path—whether that means college, a career, service, family, or another future they envision for themselves.
His goal for the 2026–2027 school year is to encourage students to recognize their full potential and help them understand what it takes to reach it.
Outside of school, Connor is a big sports fan and proudly supports the New York Knicks, Yankees, and Giants. He enjoys musical theater, having participated in musicals during high school, and loves watching football, basketball, hockey, and baseball. In his free time, he also enjoys playing video games, lifting, spending time outdoors, and being with his two dogs and cat.
As he begins this next chapter, Connor is looking forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and staff and fostering open, honest, and meaningful communication throughout the school community.
“I am committed to supporting each student in reaching their fullest potential and to creating a school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
Please join us in welcoming Connor Moynihan-Janis to his new role as Principal of Mahpiya Luta High School!