Supporting the Whole Child
Superintendent of Schools Alicia D. Koster has envisioned a Family Resource Center as essential to serving Johnstown students and families because she has seen firsthand the impact this model can have on a school community.
“Our responsibility extends beyond providing an excellent education. While academic excellence remains at the heart of our work, we recognize that student success is influenced by health, wellness, nutrition, attendance, family engagement, and a strong sense of belonging,” she said.
Serving All GJSD Families
The Family Resource Center will serve Johnstown students of all ages and their families by providing access to a wide range of resources and support services. The Center will be overseen by Cory Cotter, the District’s newly appointed Assistant Superintendent.
Cotter said that established, community-focused District initiatives, such as the Holiday Helpline, will be overseen by the Family Resource Center, along with other teacher- and student-led community service efforts. The Center will serve as a hub for coordinating food, hygiene products and other essential resources for District families in need.
She also has plans for new initiatives that will help strengthen the partnership between school and home, including family activity nights, which will give students structured, intentional time with their families while strengthening those connections in a fun environment.
“We’re creating a welcoming place where parents and caregivers can find the tools, information and support they need to help their children succeed in school,” Cotter said. “The Family Resource Center will offer workshops, educational programs and practical resources that strengthen school readiness, improve attendance and build stronger connections between home and school. When additional support is needed, we’ll also help connect families with community resources for food, clothing, mental health services and other essential needs.”
Although the center will serve all students and families in pre-K through 12, Cotter plans to host activities like monthly story hours and group playtime for early learners who are not yet enrolled in pre-K.
Cotter announced that monthly story hours for pre-PK students and their families will take place on Mondays from 9:00-10:00 a.m., with fall dates including September 21, October 5, November 16, and December 7. More dates for spring and summer story hours will be announced at a later date. The story hours will be interactive learning sessions designed to spark imagination and build early literacy skills for the District’s youngest learners and their families.
“When schools and families work together to support the whole child, we help every student thrive. The Family Resource Center reflects our commitment to removing barriers, strengthening family partnerships, and ensuring every child has the opportunities and support needed to reach their fullest potential. By bringing resources together in one welcoming place, we are investing in each child’s success, and in the strength and future of the Johnstown community,” Koster added.
Family Resource Center: Est. August 20, 2026
The Greater Johnstown School District celebrated the grand opening of its Family Resource Center on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as part of the District’s #WeAreJohnstown Back-to-School event. Read more about the event here.
Family Resource Center
Events, Activities & Resources
- October 5, 2026
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Pumpkin-themed Story Hour for children not yet eligible for pre-K. - October 9-12, 2026
Virtual – Autism Parenting Summit: Learn how to help your child THRIVE! From the comfort of your home, navigate the challenges of autism parenting with expert guidance, practical strategies, and support from leading professionals. More info: autismparentingsummit.com
Contact Information
Your child’s building principal is a great place to start if you have questions about the resources provided at the District’s Family Resource Center – or contact the Center directly.
Address
Warren Street Elementary School
110 Warren Street
Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone Number
(518) 762-4611
Reach Out By Email
familyresourcecenter@johnstownschools.org
Apple-Themed Story Hour
The Family Resource Center hosted its first Story Hour on September 21 for children who are not yet old enough to join the District’s pre-K program. Several families joined us for an apple-themed morning filled with fun, learning and plenty of opportunities to connect! Activities included:
- Story time: Warren Street Elementary Library Media Specialist Crystal Keck read Apple Cake to the group.
- Apple exploration: Ellen Roehl, GJSD’s AgriQuest Farm-to-School Department Leader and SPARK (Student Projects Advancing Real-World Knowledge) Leader, shared a mini lesson about the different varieties of apples grown and harvested at a local orchard, followed by a taste-testing session.
- Arts and crafts: Children created an apple-themed craft.
- Socialization and play: Children had time to play and socialize while parents and guardians had an opportunity to meet and connect with one another.
Join Us for the Next Story Hour! Our next Story Hour will be held Monday, October 5, from 9–10 a.m. October’s event will have a pumpkin theme and feature a sweet story, a tasty treat and a pumpkin craft!
Attendees are encouraged to wear orange or their favorite fall outfit. No RSVP is necessary—just show up! Park at JHS near the tennis courts and ring the doorbell near the Warren Street bus loop entrance.
