Dear JRMS Families, 

What a great first week at John Read Middle School! 

After months of planning and preparation, it was wonderful to see our buses arrive, our hallways buzzing with students, and our school filled with positive energy. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping us get the 2026–2027 school year off to such a positive start. 

Preparing for Our Students. 

Before students arrived on Wednesday, our faculty and staff spent several days preparing for the year ahead. We came together for professional learning, reviewed important procedures and safety expectations, collaborated within departments and grade levels, and spent time identifying what is already working well at JRMS and where we can continue to grow. 

One of the highlights for me was simply having time with our staff. Whether meeting with our certified and non-certified staff, participating in team conversations, or talking individually with people throughout the building, I continued to see how deeply our staff cares about our students, our school, and one another. 

On a personal note, I would like to thank our PTA Board, Ms. Cunningham, Mrs. Clement, Mrs. Dunn, Mr. B., Mr. Moniz and his custodial team, and our school counselors - Ms. Fragomeli and Dr. Panaro for supporting my transition to this special school. 

Students Are Back! 

The best part of the week, of course, was welcoming our students! 

I thoroughly enjoyed greeting buses, visiting classrooms, and talking with students in the hallways and cafeteria. And, as I shared earlier this week, I was asked for directions a few times and successfully guided students to the right places - a small boost of confidence for the new principal! 

There was great energy throughout the building as students reconnected with friends, met their teachers, learned new routines, and began settling into the year. 

I also had the opportunity to share my first morning announcement with students. Rather than repeat that message here, I simply want to reinforce my hope that JRMS will be a place where our students work hard, grow, build strong relationships, feel a sense of belonging, and have fun along the way. 

In terms of another personal observation, I was extremely impressed by the number of students who introduced themselves, welcomed me, and engaged in real conversations. It was meaningful and touching to the “new guy.”

Safety in Action: 

We also conducted our first fire drill of the year. Our students and staff did a great job responding calmly, following directions, and exiting the building safely. 

Practicing our emergency procedures early in the year is important. We want students to understand what to do while also reinforcing that keeping our school safe is something we all contribute to. As shared, we will continue to review and strengthen our procedures throughout the school year. 

Showing Our JRMS Spirit: 

We capped off our opening days with our first pep rally, and it was a great way to bring the entire school together. 

After a busy start filled with new schedules, routines, expectations, and plenty of learning, it was fun to see our students and staff come together to show their JRMS spirit, laugh, cheer, and enjoy being part of our school community. 

As you'll see from the pictures, there were plenty of smiles! 

A Great Beginning. 

As I reflect on the week, I am especially appreciative of all the little moments that made it successful - the staff member helping a student find a classroom, students welcoming one another, teachers making their classrooms inviting, people stepping in when something needed to be done, and the many positive interactions happening throughout the building. 

Those moments may not always make a newsletter or even be witnessed by others, but each action matters and can make a positive difference in the lives of others and in our school community. 

We have a lot to look forward to, and I'm excited to see where we go from here. 

Thank you to our staff for everything they did to prepare for our students, to our students for such a positive start, and to our families for your continued support and partnership.

~Chris