Administrator's Corner
Archived Posts
Welcome to the Administrator's Corner. Shawn Gonyaw, Principal of Marion Cross School, and Greg Bagnato, Student Services Coordinator will post their weekly messages here. The intent is to keep you updated on important topics that are happening at school.
These posts can also be found in the weekly Who's Wise Words newsletter, which we highly encourage you to read. We hope you find all this information helpful, informative and fun. We encourage you to reach out to us with questions and comments.
Regards,
Shawn and Greg
Most Recent Post:
Week ending June 5, 2026
Important Dates
- Wednesday, June 10 - Field Day
- Thursday, June 11 - Sixth Grade Celebration, 5:00pm
- Tuesday, June 16 - Last day of school, 12:00pm dismissal
Message From Our Principal
Celebrating Joy
Today marks the end of an incredible chapter at Marion Cross School. After 34 years of service to our students, families, and staff, Joy Smollin completed her final official day of work. Tomorrow, she begins a well-earned retirement.
Yesterday, our school community came together for a special REP dedicated to celebrating Joy and the countless ways she has touched the lives of everyone who has walked through the doors of MCS. The celebration was filled with laughter, music, memories, and gratitude. Staff members performed a song and dance inspired by Joy, while students proudly sang Ode to Joy, a special song written just for the occasion that they had been practicing for weeks.
Mrs. French shared reflections about Joy's remarkable career and the many changes she has witnessed over the years—from building renovations and multiple principals to generations of students who have come and gone through MCS. Through it all, Joy has remained a constant source of kindness, wisdom, patience, and care.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the announcement that the PTO has collaborated to name the front lobby in Joy's honor. A commemorative plaque will soon be installed as a lasting reminder of the warmth, joy, and welcoming spirit she brought to our school each and every day.
Joy also spoke to students and staff, sharing how much she has loved the people and the community that have been such an important part of her life for more than three decades. Her words were heartfelt and a reminder of the deep connections that make Marion Cross School such a special place.
While we are excited for Joy as she begins this next adventure, it is impossible to imagine MCS without her daily presence. She has been the first smile many families saw when entering the school, a steady source of support for staff, and a caring adult for thousands of children.
On behalf of the entire Marion Cross School community, we thank Joy for her extraordinary service and dedication. We wish her a retirement filled with happiness, adventure, family, and all the things she loves most. We also hope she knows that she will always have a place here at MCS and that she is welcome back for a visit anytime.
Congratulations, Joy. You will be greatly missed.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Shawn