On the first week of school, all students and teachers begin to unload their bags, open up their notebooks and get comfortable in their chairs- looking forward to another big year. During the same week, Dave Gusitsch, Director of Physical Education and Health, seems to be packing back up.

For the 2011-2012 school year, Gusitsch will be working at Coleytown Middle School as an assistant principal.

Despite his excitement for the new job, he is not positive it will be permanent.

“I am currently in a one year, interim position. Many things can happen over the course of one school year,” he said.

Gusitsch’s newer responsibilities include grade level student monitoring throughout the year (attendance, grades, etc.), discipline, and cafeteria and bus duty.

Although there will be a lot of changes, Gusitsch is fully prepared to rise to the occasion.

“So far, the adjustment has been great. It is always a challenge to learn a new system, players-students and staff-, and day to day operations. But, as expected, everyone has been very nice, welcoming, and eager to help.”

Marty Lisevick, Director of Athletics, says that a lot of teachers have been making an effort to help out while a replacement for Gusitsch is trying to be found.

Many teachers are very sad to see him go. Head soccer coach Dan Woog feels that Gusitsch has made a positive impact at Staples, and will be missed dearly.

“I’ll miss his positive attitude and great spirit,” Woog said. “He reached a lot of kids, not just athletes. He helped create a department that many students could relate to.”

Lisevick feels that Gusitsch is ‘very innovative, and has a tremendous ability to communicate.’

“He was upbeat and extremely responsible… I miss him very much” Lisevick said.

No matter where his career takes him, Gusitsch knows that he will always miss his Staples students and colleagues.

“It really was a nice community to be associated with. Every program that is run at Staples is top-notch (curricular and extracurricular),” Gusitsch said. “I was always very impressed to see the level and quality of work that the students at Staples take pride in doing in the different departments throughout the year.