Warm welcomes were extended on a cold winter night Monday at a Meet and Greet with new West Essex Regional High School Principal Gary Suda. 

Suda began his new position as principal on Jan. 2 following his appointment from the Board of Education last November.

He replaces Barbara Longo, who was appointed Superintendent of the West Essex Regional School district in August after serving as principal since 2003. Interim High School Principal Juliann Hoebee returns to her position as Assistant Principal.

Hoebee, Athletic Director Damian Macioci and Dean of Students Caesar DiLiberto were all on hand to extend their welcome at Monday nights' Meet and Greet held before the Board of Education meeting.

In addition, about 30 parents, as well as Fairfield Police Chief Charles G. Voelker, Jr., and North Caldwell Police Chief Mark Deuer braved the cold weather to attend the event held in the Media Center at the West Essex Regional Middle School.

"I could not have planned a better transition," Suda said. "The students and teachers have made me feel welcome. I am floored at how postitive and seamless the transition has been."

North Caldwell Resident Virginia Krup, who has children in the 10th and 12th grades at the high school, said she wanted to attend the Meet and Greet to "wish him [Suda] well."

Other parents expressed similar sentiments. Cindy Traverso, who has children in the 7th and 10th grades at the West Essex Regional School district said, "I wanted to put a face to the name. I want him to feel welcome."

West Essex Foundation for Education (WEFE) Trustee Pat Muzzatti also said she wanted to meet the principal and support him. Muzzatti, an Essex Fells resident who has a child in 11th grade at the high school, said she was also planning on attending the BOE meeting as the Board was scheduled to approve $16,000 in WEFE grants.

Before his appointment as the new principal, Suda had been serving as Assistant Principal at Livingston High School. He received a Bachelor of Science from West Chester University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton.

Suda began his educational career as a social studies teacher in Harding Township and moved to the Hanover Park Regional School District before his Assistant Principal position in Livingston.

At Monday night's meeting, Suda said he was impressed with the culture and teachers at West Essex. 

"The focus is on what is best for the the kids. This is what drives me," he said.

Suda also said he is happy with the "balance" at West Essex between the programs offered for academics, the arts and athletics. 

"Everyone can find their niche," he said.

Since beginning his job, Suda has been greeting students as they exit school buses to begin their school day. He has also been stopping in classes to greet students and ask for their ideas. 

"This is their school. I want them to take ownership," he commented, adding, "I am impressed with the students commitment and their fun and positive attitude."

Suda, who resides in West Caldwell with his wife, Gynine, and their four children, has ties to community members in all four of the sending districts. "I feel a commitment to the sending communities," he commented.

West Essex Regional High School, along with West Essex Regional Middle School, serves the towns of Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and Roseland.