Donahue Principal Dr. Marc Swygert has been selected to serve as the new principal of Peck Middle School after agreeing to serve as interim principal in late September to help provide strong leadership and support during a time of transition.
“We are already seeing and feeling the many positive changes and growth he is bringing to the Peck community,” said Superintendent Jackie Glasheen. “As just one example, Dr. Swygert has helped strengthen current systems using his deep knowledge of activity-based instruction (ABL) and the systems required to ensure inclusion opportunities.”
Dr. Swygert had served as principal of Donahue Elementary since 2017, prior to his move to Peck Middle School this fall. For the rest of this school year, Donahue Assistant Principal Tom Drohan will continue to serve as interim principal at Donahue, and expert math teacher Nicole Fisher will continue to serve as Donahue’s interim assistant principal. We anticipate selecting a permanent principal and assistant principal for Donahue for the start of the 2027-28 school year.
“We are still in the process of selecting a permanent assistant principal for Peck, and we look forward to announcing that appointment soon,” Superintendent Glasheen said. “For now, two experienced educators have each been serving as part-time interim assistant principals.”
Nancy Athas is a former history teacher at Holyoke Public Schools who later served as high school principal in Northampton and Greenfield before retiring in 2013. She has served in a variety of interim school leadership roles since then.
Diane Bauer is a program supervisor at Our Lady of Elms College who previously served as principal at Holyoke High School as well as for other schools throughout the region.
“We appreciate the support our interim leaders have been providing at both schools, and we are especially happy to welcome Dr. Swygert to his new permanent role at Peck. We know he will continue to strengthen the teaching, learning, and school culture there,” Mrs. Glasheen said.