This year in Livingston, Montana, school began as usual except for two things: the arrival of principal Cole Maxwell and vice principal Melissa Mancey. These two new administrators get the honor of being a principal at Park High, along with the responsibilities and rewards of this new job.
Maxwell brings experience working as Assistant Principal at Ketchikan High School in southeast Alaska. Coming straight from Alaska, Maxwell couldn’t be happier with the move. He joked that he is excited to get away from the 13 feet of rain per year. More seriously, he is excited to be back in Montana. A native of Deer Lodge, Maxwell has moved closer to his hometown.
One of the most thrilling things that Maxwell experiences as he settles into Livingston is the enjoyment of meeting new people. For example, one thing Maxwell likes is just simply going to the grocery store and being recognized by others. “When you move into a new town, nobody knows you. You can live however you want and hardly be noticed,” said Maxwell.
One thing students have begun to notice about Mr. Maxwell is how he stands outside the front doors and greets every student as they walk in at the beginning of each day. Maxwell said the idea was generated from times during covid when “We had to stand outside and take everyones’ temperatures as they came into the school. I got to know each kid quickly, whether it was their name or something about them, I knew them.” Whether students enjoy the mere company of a smiling face or the comment about their nice shoes, Maxwell is happy to give his positive encouragement to everybody.
Another new administrator at Park High School is vice principal Melissa Mancey. Formerly an English teacher at Belgrade High School, Mancey already knew several of the Park High staff such as former Activities Director Nate Parseghian and English teacher Laurie Knuchel. She said, “Everyone has just been very positive and welcoming. It’s nice.” Mancey is also excited to be the vice principal for Maxwell and what she describes as his “positive outlook on things.”