To the Jansen Avenue Community:

As the new principal at Jansen Avenue, I’d like to share a little about myself. I am from the Buffalo area, where I have been a teacher in the Clarence School District for fifteen years. My undergraduate work was completed at Saint Bonaventure University. I have a Master’s degree in Social Studies Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Buffalo State College.

I am very proud and excited to be a new member of the Jansen Avenue family and the Johnstown community. Everyone that I’ve met or spoken with has been extremely welcoming and friendly. As the summer moves on, I hope to meet more families and community members.

Every day is a learning experience for me as I become familiar with new names, a new school and a new community. In some ways I feel like one of our kindergartners coming into school for the first time. Everyone is nice and helpful, I’m very excited, have new supplies and can’t wait to get started! I’m slowly learning the “ropes” here at Jansen Avenue and hope to be well settled by September when the kids come through those doors.

For many years, the faculty, staff and parents at Jansen Avenue have been working hard to do good things for kids. It is my intention to maintain that tradition as principal. I intend to foster a sense of community and collaboration as we work to promote and support academic excellence and positive character traits in our students. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns. Have a restful and safe summer.

Colleen Lester
Jansen Avenue Elementary Principal

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