New principal starts at Perry

One week into her job as the new principal at Joseph R. Perry Elementary School, Shelly Overstreet already has a lot on her schedule.

“I just found out I have 520 names to learn,” Overstreet said to the children in Joy Foriarini’s third-grade class during a tour of the school on Oct. 2.

In addition to students, Overstreet has familiarized herself with more than 50 staff members and numerous school groups.

During her first day on the job, Overstreet — or Mrs. O as she told a few classes — and outgoing principal Elaine Keeley visited classrooms, giving students a face to go with the new name.

Keeley has been offered a position with the Orange County Department of Education as an administrator of curriculum and instruction.

“It is exciting,” Keeley said. “It feels very validating that I did do good things for Perry and that has been recognized.”

Keeley began her new post on Tuesday, staying one extra day at Perry to help the transition.

It probably won’t take long for Overstreet to feel at home. Before her time as an administrator at Capistrano Valley School District, she worked 23 years as a teacher.

Her love of classroom teaching heavily influenced her choice to accept the position of principal at Perry.

“I always consider myself a teacher,” Overstreet said. “Moving to the district, I missed the interaction with students.”

Heading the Perry staff, Overstreet can influence more than one classroom, she said.

“The school site is where it happens,” Overstreet said.

A few of the students also had plans for the current school year, which they passed along to Overstreet on her visit to their class Monday.

One class of fifth-graders presented her with an illustrated book of photographs and suggestions for continuing past activities, like the monthly Thursday night skate parties at the Fountain Valley Skate Center.

At present, Overstreet is concerned with staying visible to children and parents, before and after school.

Usually, principals are hired during the summer so they can begin the year with the school, Keeley said. Since Overstreet came in after the planning and setup, they decided on an overlapping day to help get the new principal acquainted with the grounds.

“I’m very pleased to be the newest Panther at Perry,” Overstreet said.