Many consider teenagers to be the most rambunctious, difficult age group out there, but Mrs. Matsko is certainly does not. Perhaps it is her appreciation for our wilder side or her well-cultured background that makes her such an outstanding principal, but no matter what, she has all of the qualifications.

Harriton Banner: What responsibilities are included in your job?

Mrs. Matsko: I take care of senior projects. I do student discipline, 10 through 12, and student attendance. I am also in charge of the after-school program called Moss Ram. I’m also in charge of Keystone Exams *laughs, seeming to understand their reputation among students* which is huge.

HB: What qualities do you have that make you a good principal?

Matsko: I really like teenagers.  I genuinely like teenagers.  I think that that age group is really fascinating. I think that you are just beginning to be independent and think for yourselves. I also like that you push us, you push the adults in this building. I think it makes us better adults. I think you bring energy into the building, and I think that your brains are exploding with intelligence; you’re motivated, you want to learn. I’m absolutely fascinated by that. And I also think that it keeps me young, it really does. I just really like high school because I think that it still continues to stretch my brain.

HB: How are you working to improve the school?

Matsko: I’m really excited about this Moss Ram after-school program because I think it’s an opportunity for students. It’s not supposed to be a program for students who are failing but for students who may struggle at times during the school year and just need a quiet place after school where there’s also some hands-on help. We have NHS tutors and classroom tutors that come in, and I also go in and work with the students, and that’s very exciting for me because I feel like I’m back teaching again, and I love teaching.

HB: What is your favorite thing about Harriton?

Matsko: The sense of community. At the beginning of my career in Lower Merion School District, I taught over at Lower Merion High School. I taught Spanish for about 10 years and I didn’t want to come to Harriton in the beginning, but once I got over here… this is like a family. It’s much easier to get to know the students. I think that students genuinely care about each other; the staff genuinely cares about students.

HB: How does Harriton compare to other high schools?

Matsko: The intelligence of the faculty, I think. Until you walk away from Harriton, you don’t understand the collective intelligence of the staff and faculty and the student body. You guys just blow me away with your intelligence. I mean, you really do. And you’re so poised. I think you care about your community, you care about worldwide social justice, and I don’t think it’s that way everywhere.  We also have a very independent spirit. Individual students are not afraid to be independent thinkers, and that’s kind of neat.  I don’t think that you are all conformists. And you can find a friend anywhere here at Harriton High School.

HB: What was your high school experience like?

Matsko: I think I had an absolutely phenomenal high school experience, which is why I’m still in school. I went to Coatesville Area High School, known as CASH, and it was a very progressive high school at the time, so I was able to take my Social Studies and English curriculum completely independent study. If, during the school year, you finished the so-called district written curriculum, you could explore other topics on your own. It opened me up as an educator into different ways of presenting material to students. I also took Spanish, German and French. I remember a guidance counselor telling me that I probably shouldn’t take three languages and that being very motivating for me. I also had teachers that I felt mentored me through the tough parts of high school.

HB: How would you describe yourself?

Matsko: Loyal. Extremely loyal. I have a best friend. My freshman college year, we were roommates, and she is still my best friend. There have been times in life that we have been at opposite ends of life experiences – she got married way before I did, she doesn’t have children, I do have children – but the funny thing is, we’ve always said to one another, “How has this friendship lasted through all these years?” We’re not even geographically close, yet we are still extremely close.

HB: What do you like to do in your free time?

Matsko: Let’s see, I love the beach. I love to snorkel, read – I’m a voracious reader, I like to read all sorts of things. I do not like video games – I’m terrible at video games. I love to travel, and, in the wintertime, ski.

HB: What is a fun/interesting fact about you?

Matsko: I have lived in Barcelona, Spain, lived and taught in Guadalajara, Mexico, and I have hiked the Grand Canyon six times.

We are glad that Mrs. Matsko has returned from her travels and settled in here at Harriton.  Without her, the Harriton community could not boast the passionate and inclusive atmosphere that it does today.