Port Jervis News
Onofry returns to Port
Jervis to serve as ASK interim principal
 Dr.
Craig Onofry has returned to his hometown district to serve
as the interim principal of Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School for
the 2010-11 school year.
Onofry, who retired in June after serving as a superintendent of
schools for two decades, brings a wealth of leadership
experience and a strong sense of pride to ASK Elementary School.
His educational career – which spans 32 years – started here in
the Port Jervis School District. After graduating from Port
Jervis High School and SUNY Cortland, Onofry taught for seven
years in various capacities in Port Jervis elementary schools.
He later served as principal of the former Sullivan Avenue
Elementary School for four years during which time the school
was a finalist in the NY State Elementary School Recognition
Program.
Onofry, who holds a master’s degree from Marywood College and an
educational doctorate from Rutgers University, went on to serve
as superintendent of the Garrison School District in Putnam
County and then, most recently, the Dover Union Free School
District in Dutchess County.
But, he never left his hometown. Onofry and his wife Christine,
a fellow Port Jervis High School graduate, chose to raise their
twins in Port Jervis and send them to Port Jervis schools.
“Port Jervis has always been an important part of my life,” said
Onofry, who is nostalgic about returning to work at ASK
Elementary School where he knows many families and some of his
former students are now teachers or parents.
While the school has grown considerably since he taught physical
education there in the late 1970s, Onofry is pleased to find
that ASK still has the same sense of community. He is now
looking forward to working with the entire school community to
ensure students have a great educational experience this year.
The first step is to determine the school’s strengths and
weaknesses. To accomplish this, Onofry is actively seeking input
from the school community. “No one knows this school better than
the teachers, support staff, parents and students,” said Onofry.
“It’s important that I hear from them so we can provide the best
possible educational program.”
Onofry is encouraging parents and guardians to call, e-mail or
visit him to discuss matters regarding their children or the
school. He has also developed a brief questionnaire to help
determine what parents like most about ASK and what they would
like to see changed. Parents are asked to complete the printed
form that will be sent home with students when school opens. A
copy of the survey can also be downloaded by
clicking here.
Parents are also invited to meet Onofry at the upcoming
back-to-school programs:
Meet our Principal Night
Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. PTA Meeting begins at 7 p.m.
Open House programs
Tuesday, Sept. 21: Grades 1-3, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 22: Grades 4-6, 7 p.m.
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