As new Superintendent Florencia Norton takes the lead of the Palmyra school district, families, students and staff will get a chance for a “quick and casual” chat with her on July 17.
Norton wants the public to stop at the Palmyra High cafeteria and share their “hopes for the students in the coming years in the Palmyra School District.” The chat will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Norton, who began the superintendent role on July 1, is a familiar face in the district, having served as the district’s director of curriculum and instruction and preschool principal. The board of education voted unanimously to confirm Norton at a meeting on April 9.
Norton sent a letter to Palmyra families, students and staff on her first day.
“… Working here has been the greatest joy of my career, and I can honestly say I love coming to work every day because of this community,” she said in her introduction.
“Over the past few years, we have made real progress together,” Norton added, “from expanding programs to helping our kids succeed to strengthening our preschool and adding new opportunities for our middle- and high-school students. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and the incredible spirit of our students.
Norton said she wants to build on what’s been started in the district.
” … My commitment is simple,” she explained. “To make sure every student feels supported and challenged, every staff member feels valued and every family feels connected to our schools. Palmyra is a special place, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Norton thanked former Superintendent Mark Pease for his “mentorship and for welcoming me into this role” and her gratitude to the board of education for their support.
“Thank you for the trust you place in our schools,” she remarked. “I’m looking forward to a great year ahead and many more together.”
Pease had led the district for the past two years as interim superintendent and was the principal of Charles Street School. He sent an outgoing letter to borough families, staff and students on his last day, June 30.
“…From the moment I was hired as a vice principal back in 2007 to my last day today as superintendent, my time here in Palmyra has been special,” he observed. “I have met many wonderful people over the years and I am thankful for each and every one of you. The memories I have of Palmyra will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Pease said he’ll be back to enjoy the arts in the district’s new auditorium, catch a track meet on its new all-weather track, visit new offices and classrooms, have lunch – or pancakes – in the district’s spacious high-school cafeteria and also bring his son back each year for coach Mike Papenberg’s soccer camp.
“Instead of saying goodbye,” he said, “I’m going to say, ‘See you soon’ and ‘Thank you.’ It has truly been my pleasure to serve this phenomenal school district and the community of Palmyra.
“Be great, be kind, and as always … Go Panthers Go.”
