If you’ve ever found yourself on Kresson Road in Cherry Hill, there is a good chance you’ve noticed a witty, entertaining sign in front of James Johnson Elementary School. These quips popped up on the school’s marquee for the first time nearly ten years ago, started by former principal Jared Peltzman.
“It started as just book puns since the literary coach at the time helped me come up with ideas,” Peltzman explained as he reflected on the first sign made during the summer of 2017. “From there, it just kind of grew!” And grown, it certainly has.
Peltzman, formerly and anonymously referred to as the “Sign Jokester,” had not only become locally beloved, but had garnered attention from major media outlets such as CBS News.
“The funny part is that we’d get phone calls and emails from people who are not even associated with the school,” Peltzman says, reflecting on the overwhelmingly positive feedback he had received. “We’ve even had parents reach out to see how they could get their child to come here! They figure the signs are fun, so the school must be fun as well.”
Even now that Peltzman has moved on from James Johnson Elementary School, current principal Lauren Giordano has successfully carried on the tradition with the help of her “super secret committee” who wish to remain anonymous.
“This was my first year, so through the beginning I was always consulting with my secret ninja team.” Giordano explained. “The community loves it so much that if I started to leave something up there for too long, I was getting phone calls and emails that it was time to change the sign! The committee now changes it almost every three weeks. They’re super active– they’re awesome!”
Originally inspired by a funny and constantly changing sign that Peltzman used to seek out on his old forty minute commute, the James Johnson marquee became something passersby truly look forward to seeing.
“Driving down Kresson road is an incredibly aggravating experience,” Jared jokes. “Having something that is just a little funny that brings a little joy to your day from an unexpected place– I think is incredibly valuable.”
The signs were certainly appreciated during the recent construction on the bridge just past the school. Commuters would find themselves stuck in traffic in front of the marquee, and receive a pleasant and uplifting surprise from the sign’s quip.
“It’s nice to make people laugh or smile– especially when they’re frustrated driving!” Peltzman said, as Giordano nodded in agreement.
The next time you find yourself driving down Kresson Road, make sure to turn your attention to the James Johnson Elementary School marquee!
Lauren Giordano and Jared Peltzman pictured in front of the James Johnson Elementary School marquee.
