School community invited to celebrate August 20 during District’s #WeAreJohnstown Back-to-School event
After nearly a year of planning, the Greater Johnstown School District has announced the grand opening of its Family Resource Center, which will officially open on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as part of the District’s #WeAreJohnstown Back-to-School event. The grand opening event will take place from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Warren Street Elementary School and will be open to all GJSD students and 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 Director of Elementary Instruction, Assessment, and Family Engagement.
“From the beginning of my tenure, I envisioned a Family Resource Center as essential to serving our students and families because I have seen firsthand the impact this model can have on a school community,” said Superintendent Alicia D. Koster.
“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. 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,” she added.
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.
At the #WeAreJohnstown grand opening on August 20, families will be able to pick up their homeroom teacher letters before they are mailed home and enter drawings for giveaways. The Center will be giving away backpacks and supplies that were donated by local companies, groups and organizations. GJSD Food Services will have food samples to hand out, representatives from the Transportation Department will be there to answer questions, and students will be able to immerse themselves in an AgriQuest performance-based learning experience. Families will also be able to learn more about the District’s Conscious Discipline initiative. JEPTA and various community agencies will be in attendance with information tables. The day will also include raffle baskets, snow cones, craft activities, a bounce house, ponies and farm animals, and more.
Anyone with questions about the Family Resource Center or the activities planned for the grand opening on August 20 can send an email to familyresourcecenter@johnstownschools.org or call (518) 762-4611.