JOHNSTOWN - The Greater Johnstown School District's five principals, including three new ones, gave upbeat start-of-the-year reports to the Board of Education Thursday night at Johnstown High School.
Superintendent Katherine A. Sullivan introduced the principals, who were all sitting at the same table, noting "a lot has happened this summer" to prepare for the opening of the 2009-10 school year that began Sept. 9.
"You can see the enthusiasm right there at that table," Sullivan said.
The principals also introduced some of their new teachers and staff.
JHS Principal Michael Beatty said the staff at the high school has worked "very diligently" on the phone with parents and students to get off to a good start.
"We had a very exciting opening day," said new Knox Junior High School Principal Michael Satterlee. "I look forward to a really great year."
He said the staff at Knox is a veteran group of employees.
Glebe Street Elementary School Principal William Crankshaw said his school is "very fortunate" to have some teachers and staff from the former Jansen Avenue Elementary School work at his building now.
Crankshaw said there was some scheduling glitches, but staff at Glebe Street Elementary School is now "fine tuning" to adjust to the new school year.
New Warren Street Elementary School Principal R. Scott Ziomek reported the first days of school were "busy," but went smooth. He predicted a successful school year.
Ziomek also thanked the teachers and all the staff for "putting in a 110 percent" effort in launching the new school year. He said all the classrooms are being filled at Warren. He also thanked the custodial staff for a building he said is "spotless."
"The energy is incredible." Ziomek said.
The new principal also noted the Warren Street Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association has 49 new memberships.
"The parents have been so supportive," Ziomek said.
New Pleasant Avenue Elementary School Principal Jeffrey Vivenzio gave a similar report, feeling some "amazing stuff" is already being accomplished this school year. He said 30 parents attended the school's first PTA meeting.
"The start of the year was fantastic," Vivenzio said. "Its been a great start. The staff is really amazing."
Board member Evamarie Mraz also told the board she's heard "great things" this school year so far about the job of the custodial staff led by district Director of Facilities and Operations E.J. Maye.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.