ADAMS -- Janet Tremblay's first full-time teaching job was at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, where she taught kindergarten and physical education from 1994-95.
Seventeen years later, she has returned to serve as the school's first lay person principal in the school's 100-year history.
"When I taught here, it was an extremely enjoyable and fulfilling experience," she said in a recent interview.
Faith is intertwined into the entire education process at a Catholic school, with a philosophy that teaches values including love, respect, tolerance and service, she said.
"I'm looking forward to continuing to lead a school that educates productive and good members of society and educates intelligent people who embrace their faith and carry that with them throughout their lives," she said.
Tremblay comes to St. Stan's school after having taught at schools in North Adams and in North Carolina. She graduated from North Adams State College in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. At the time, she was unable to find a teaching position because the passage of Proposition 2 1/2 curtailed the number of teachers being hired, and she went to work for a supermarket chain for about 19 years, she said. However, her passion was always in education, and she saw an opportunity to return to the field when Brayton Elementary School in North Adams opened.
After returning to work in education, Tremblay received a
While Tremblay has served as interim principal at an alternative school in North Carolina, this is her first formal principal job, she said. Sister Jacqueline M. Karanowski, who stepped down as principal on Aug. 1 after serving in the post for 18 years, will be the school's director of mission effectiveness and finance.
Besides Tremblay's appointment, individuals have been hired to five other staff positions at the school over the summer. Robin Moresi, who has a background in social studies and science, will teach sixth grade, and Carol Baer, who has a background in math and science, has been hired to teach seventh grade. Kristen Demeo, a local author, has been appointed to a one-year position to teach kindergarten. Bonnie McCubbin will be the school's music and art teacher, and Joshua Nitti has been hired to attend to the technology curriculum.
Moresi, Baer and Demeo said it was the family atmosphere of St. Stan's that contributed to their interests in applying for teaching positions at the school.
"I had been out of teaching for a couple of years and really missed it," Baer said. "I enjoy working with the students and was looking to return to a small school community."
The first day of school for St. Stan's is Friday, and preschool will begin Monday, Sept. 10.
To reach Meghan Foley, email mfoley@thetranscript.com.
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