MONROE - Todd Paradis, Parkside Elementary School principal, understands how new students feel as they walk into school on their first day of class.
Like many of the students, Paradis is new to the school, the teachers and the district. His first few days of school will include getting to know the students, staff and parents.
"I'm learning new faces and people, too," he said.
Paradis began his duties as principal Aug. 11.
The biggest challenge for a new principal is getting to know everyone at the school, he said. Paradis spent the first few days of his job calling teachers and introducing himself. Hired with only a few weeks before the school year begins, he wanted to get right into the job.
The staff at the school welcomed him immediately, he said.
"They've been great," Paradis said.
Paradis, who taught fourth grade in the DeForest school district for five years before taking the position at Parkside, is familiar with Monroe. He grew up in Hollandale and is a 1999 Pecatonica High School graduate. His wife, Emily Pisula, is originally from Freeport.
"We have many friends and family in the area," he said. "Either someone knows my wife or her family or they know me or my family. We have lots of connections."
Paradis graduated from Edgewood College and taught for a couple years in Madison. Over the past three years, he worked on getting his administrator's license.
"I love working with kids," he said. "I also love working with the staff and the community.
"The first few days of school we'll work on building a community. We'll do things to help kids understand that school is a fun, safe place."
Superintendent Larry Brown said Paradis' background made him an appealing choice for the school board.
"He has past experiences in building relationships, and he has a wealth of instructional background," Brown said.
Paradis is excited about the upcoming school year.
"We have a lot of great things in place," he said. "We're going to have a 'meet the teachers' night so kids can come and tour the building, drop off their supplies and meet their teachers.
"The students will be excited and nervous on the first day of school, and the teachers will be, too," Paradis said.
When he isn't working, Paradis, who is a sports fan, likes to spend time with his wife and their two daughters, Mazie, 3, and Harper, 1.
Like many of the students, Paradis is new to the school, the teachers and the district. His first few days of school will include getting to know the students, staff and parents.
"I'm learning new faces and people, too," he said.
Paradis began his duties as principal Aug. 11.
The biggest challenge for a new principal is getting to know everyone at the school, he said. Paradis spent the first few days of his job calling teachers and introducing himself. Hired with only a few weeks before the school year begins, he wanted to get right into the job.
The staff at the school welcomed him immediately, he said.
"They've been great," Paradis said.
Paradis, who taught fourth grade in the DeForest school district for five years before taking the position at Parkside, is familiar with Monroe. He grew up in Hollandale and is a 1999 Pecatonica High School graduate. His wife, Emily Pisula, is originally from Freeport.
"We have many friends and family in the area," he said. "Either someone knows my wife or her family or they know me or my family. We have lots of connections."
Paradis graduated from Edgewood College and taught for a couple years in Madison. Over the past three years, he worked on getting his administrator's license.
"I love working with kids," he said. "I also love working with the staff and the community.
"The first few days of school we'll work on building a community. We'll do things to help kids understand that school is a fun, safe place."
Superintendent Larry Brown said Paradis' background made him an appealing choice for the school board.
"He has past experiences in building relationships, and he has a wealth of instructional background," Brown said.
Paradis is excited about the upcoming school year.
"We have a lot of great things in place," he said. "We're going to have a 'meet the teachers' night so kids can come and tour the building, drop off their supplies and meet their teachers.
"The students will be excited and nervous on the first day of school, and the teachers will be, too," Paradis said.
When he isn't working, Paradis, who is a sports fan, likes to spend time with his wife and their two daughters, Mazie, 3, and Harper, 1.