West Springfield High School welcomed back Mrs. Panteleakis on February 7, as she resumed her role as Vice Principal after a short departure from the school.
Mrs. Panteleakis briefly left West Side at the end of the last school year because she and her family were relocating to Florida. However, they soon realized they were ready to come back home. Upon her return to West Springfield, Mrs. Panteleaskis briefly filled in for Mrs. Cofer in the Counseling Department. During this time Mr. Pescitelli was offered a new position as principal of Mittineague Elementary School, allowing Mrs. Panteleakis the opportunity to re-interview for her former position as vice principal. During the interim, Mrs. Panteleakis and Mr. Pescitelli worked together for a short time before they each began their new positions. Mrs. Panteleakis noted, “When I got the job, I continued to try and stay in my lane. I have a lot of respect for him. I did my best not to step on any toes and I feel successful in that.”
Mrs. Panteleakis said her return to WSHS has been almost seamless, as she has not noticed many changes other than the Yondr pouches, which she is “pleasantly surprised” by how well they seem to be working. Others in the WSHS community are also glad that Mrs. Panteleakis has returned. Mr. Moge, of the Counseling Department, often works closely with Mrs. Panteleakis. When he was asked to share one thing he has learned from her, Mr. Moge said, “The strength of communication. I think she does a really wonderful job at making sure that I’m not just conscious of what I am communicating but also how I’m communicating.”
Mrs. Panteleakis has worked as an administrator here at West Springfield High School for 22 years. When asked what she was most excited about in terms of returning she said, “Honestly, I’m just happy to be home.” And to all the Seniors out there, she hopes to continue to read names at graduation this June!