Michelle Kelley

Teacher at Leggett Valley Schools

Well, a new school year has begun. New clothes are being sported, tales of summer fun are being shared, and old friends are being reunited.

The day started off with an all-school assembly (K-12) in the gym. The new superintendent, Mr. Puskarich, introduced himself and the new 2nd-3rd grade teacher, Theresa Boldt.

Following introductions, each class was called down to the floor and applauded. A relay race ensued and fun was had by all. Everyone cheered for each team as they finished. After the relay, students and teachers returned to their classes where rules and expectations were reviewed.

Leggett Valley School is pleased to announce their new superintendent, Mr. Puskarich (he will answer to Mr. P or Mr. Puskarich) comes from the thriving metropolis of Burney, California.

He is married with two grown children. He graduated from Fresno State and did his graduate studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Mr. Puskarich taught for a number of years in grades six through twelve. He also worked as an assistant superintendent.

In Burney, he was the principal for the junior high and the high school. When asked why he decided to apply for the principal/superintendent position at Leggett School (he has worked for years at larger school districts) his reply was that he liked the area and he also liked the idea of being involved with the students on a day-to-day basis. He wanted the chance to get to know everyone from students and staff to the community. He is presently looking for a permanent residence near Garberville, so that his wife can join him. The staff and community are pleased to welcome him to our area.

The staff would like to appreciate 13 new students this year. Each student was asked one question on the second day of school, “What do you like about your new school so far?”

Jasmine Thompson (K): " I like my friends."

Aliya Burns (1st): "I like all the fun stuff I do so far."

Josey Paula (1st): "I like the playground."

Everett Paula (3rd): "Everything is good here."

Orin Paula (6th): "I like the food and making friends."

Brittney Roland (6th): "I like how the kids listen to the teacher and I like the playground."

Sabrina Miclette (8th): "No comment."

Kiana Burns (8th): "I’m with all my friends."

Eric Foster (9th): "I like everything."

Gabriel Le Compte (9th): "I like everything so far."

Nolan Folmar (10th): "I like everybody here from staff to students."

Westley Drewry (10th): "The teachers are helpful."