By Merecedes J. Howze, Pittsburgh Public Schools

The 2018-2019 school year is quickly approaching, and four Northside schools have new school leaders.  In addition to the new (and some familiar) faces at these schools, Northside parents will be afforded the opportunity to meet their child’s principals.

Every school is hosting a back to school event providing families the opportunity to meet the new principals at Pittsburgh King PreK-8, Pittsburgh Manchester PreK-8, Pittsburgh Morrow PreK-8 and Pittsburgh Perry High School.

“It was important to name strong, effective leaders before the start of the school year.  While it’s typical for leadership changes to occur over the summer, I am confident that our Northside schools won’t skip a beat,” said Dr. Anthony Hamlet, Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools.  “These administrators have proven to be game changers in school administration. You can expect great things.”

No stranger to the Northside, Darrell Prioleau has been named Pittsburgh Perry’s new principal.  Prioleau joined the District in 2015 to serve as principal of Pittsburgh Morrow. On Tuesday, August 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., Pittsburgh Perry will hold its annual Title I meeting and a special Meet and Greet, where parents and community members can meet Prioleau.

Pittsburgh Perry also welcomes a new Assistant Principal, Carlton Watson, who also comes from Pittsburgh Morrow.

Earlier this month, Michael Calvert was appointed principal of Pittsburgh Morrow K-8. Two days before school starts, parents, students and community can meet Calvert and teachers at the school’s “Back-to-School Barbecue”  on Wednesday, August 22, at 5:30 p.m. on both campuses.

Calvert’s most recent post was principal at Pittsburgh Phillips, where he’s served since July 2015. Before joining PPS, Calvert served as assistant principal and technology coordinator for McGuffey School District in Claysville, PA.

Pittsburgh King’s new school principal is Michael Perella, a long-time educator and administrator who spent the early half of his career on the Northside.  Pittsburgh King also has a new assistant principal, Cara McKenna, who previously served in the same role at Pittsburgh Colfax.

On Tuesday, August 28, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Pittsburgh King families are invited to meet Perella, McKenna, teachers, community partners and service providers.

Aisha Robinson, a Pittsburgh Public Schools graduate herself, now serves as principal of Pittsburgh Manchester PreK-8. On Wednesday, August 22, from 4 to 6 p.m., Pittsburgh Manchester families will have the opportunity to meet Robinson and their child’s teacher.

The first day of school for all students except for Kindergarten and Grades 10 and 11 is Friday, August 24.  The first day of school for students in Grades 10 and 11 is Monday, August 27. The first day of school for Kindergarten is Wednesday, August 29.