Published: 9/7/2016 6:37:07 PM
CONWAY — There were a lot of new faces this year at the Conway Grammar School during the first day of school on Wednesday, and not just among students.
Kristen Gordon took over the reigns of the school as acting principal on July 1, replacing long-time principal, Judith Siciliano, who retired June 30 after 17 years leading the school.
While the Union 38 schools prepare for opening day, Gordon told The Recorder she’s in “principal paradise” and can’t wait to kick off the new year.
“The staff is amazing. The children are amazing. The families and community are fabulous,” she said Friday, “and our administrative team is fantastic.”
On Wednesday, about 150 pupils burst through the doors of the school on Fournier Road ushering in a new school year, hailing Gordon’s inaugural year as principal.
The opening will be a culmination of work completed over the summer by staff members, who Gordon said have worked hard revamping classes and mapping out curriculum.
Some new initiatives this year include stand-up desks and inflatable balls that students can sit on, to help with class participation and make the educational environment more conducive to learning. Gordon said those innovations have been made “as another way to meet all students’ needs.”
“Conway Grammar school is a high achieving school and we look forward to continued progress in student achievement and professional development,” Gordon continued, adding that the school will kick off the year and officially welcome students and their families a day after opening day, today with a “Welcome Back Night.”
The event starts at 6 p.m. at the school. “We hope to see many families and children at this event,” Gordon concluded.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
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