When MJ Smith retires from her position as principal of Kraybill Mennonite School at the end of this month, she'll be leaving behind a job that she's loved, and one that she said has been an honor to have.

"It has been really great to have been gifted with the privilege of serving here," she said. "This school is a community that really supports the students and the teachers. It is a fantastic place. It's not heaven, but it's close."

Smith noted that her retirement is bittersweet. "I really enjoy seeing the children come to school in the morning, greeting them when they come in the door," she stated. "I love seeing them and their brothers and sisters and their families."

She has also enjoyed having the opportunity to make a difference in students' lives. "I like helping children to solve their problems," she remarked. "I like to help them discover how they can find a solution and have success."

Still, she acknowledged that one thing she won't miss has been the stress of the past year, with the added pressure of the pandemic. "I am also really looking forward to not having to get up at 5:30 in the morning and have a full agenda all day. I have stacks of books to read, projects around the house," she said, noting that she is also eager to spend even more time with her grandchildren, who attend Donegal schools.

Smith said her departure is made a little easier by knowing she's leaving the school to a very capable educator. Janice Greenleaf will be taking the reins as the new principal.

"I know Janice very well, and I feel extremely confident to have her come on," Smith stated. Greenleaf, who has spent the past 12 years teaching at Lancaster Mennonite Middle School, is a former Kraybill parent and said that background makes her uniquely suited for her new job.

"I have experienced this school both as a parent and as a substitute teacher," explained Greenleaf, whose three children attended Kraybill. "There are not many places like Kraybill, with its support for everyone and the collaborative community."

She noted that she is most looking forward to helping the school continue to experience the positive growth that has happened recently, including the addition of a school garden. "I've had some experience with experiential learning, and I want to continue that at Kraybill," she stated. "I believe in learning through different avenues beyond the four walls of the classroom."

Although Greenleaf said she's excited about her position, she admits that Smith leaves big shoes to fill. "The challenge for me is to make connections and get to know the people here," she remarked. "MJ has a wealth of knowledge as far as knowing the students and their families and the outside community. That will be one of my main goals, to build that knowledge base."

Smith said although she's retiring, she's not going away, and she will be around to support Greenleaf and the school as needed. Still, she said, she doubts her replacement will require much help, adding, "I know the school is in very, very good hands."