Assistant Principal: Matt Ribblett's Message
Dear Trojan Families,
I am thrilled to reintroduce myself as the Assistant Principal at JMS for the 2025–2026 school year. My name is Matt Ribblett, and I am excited to continue working with our incredible students, families, and school community. This marks my fifth year in the Greater Johnstown School District and over a decade of experience in education, and I am proud to serve a district so deeply rooted in Pride and Tradition. These values continue to guide my efforts in building a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.
A core part of my educational philosophy is grounded in four foundational pillars: collaboration, communication, innovation, and problem solving. These pillars not only shape how I lead and support students, but also how our school community grows together:
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Collaboration ensures that we are working together—teachers, families, and students—to meet individual needs and build shared goals.
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Communication fosters transparency, trust, and connection between home and school, ensuring everyone is informed and engaged.
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Innovation encourages us to adapt and evolve, using creative strategies and tools to make learning more meaningful and effective.
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Problem solving prepares our students to think critically, overcome challenges, and become resilient learners both in and out of the classroom.
These pillars influence every level of education, from daily classroom instruction to broader school initiatives. They also reflect my belief that learning is a shared journey, and when we model and encourage these values, we help students grow into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate individuals.
As a proud 2001 graduate of GJSD, I have a strong personal connection to this community. My wife, Tara, shares my passion for education and teaches Kindergarten at JES. Together, we are proud parents of two children: Becky, a recent graduate of UPJ with a degree in Criminology, and Matthew, who plays junior hockey in Elmira New York and intends to major in Civil Engineering in college.
Working closely with Mr. Houston and Mr. Cordek, I am committed to helping every student succeed and ensuring that their safety and well-being remain our top priorities. I approach every decision with the same care and dedication I would give my own children.
I firmly believe that a strong partnership between school and home is essential for our students' success. I encourage families to be active participants in their child’s education, and I invite you to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. My door is always open, and I am here to support you however I can.
Let’s work together to make the 2025–2026 school year our best one yet!
Warm regards,
Matt Ribblett
Assistant Principal JMS
(814)533-5550, ext 2111