Central Elementary School students and parents took the opportunity to meet new principal Eric Greely during Tuesday night’s “Meet the Principal” event.

Greely is entering his first year as Central principal. He came to Central after a year at Miller McCoy Academy in New Orleans. Before working at Miller McCoy, Greely was assistant principal at Liberty High School in Kansas City, Mo., from 2008 to 2013.

Greely’s mantra is simple: All kids have the ability to learn.

Greely had a simple message for his instructors as parents and students walked through the doors.

“They’ve got to work hard, and they’ve got to care about the children. That’s my two requirements to work here,” Greely said.

Greely personally greeted parents and students. Students had the opportunity to sign-up for additional information about the school at various tables, including information about the Parent-Teacher Organization, medical questions and where to pay for school supplies.

Greely, parents and students met in the cafeteria for a light dinner, and he took turns answering questions parents and students had.

Central Elementary School serves children in third through fifth grades. During the previous school year, Central Elementary served students in second through fifth grades, but second grade will be located at Byrd Avenue Elementary School this year. According to Superintendent Toni Breaux, that move was prompted by concerned parents who were uneasy about their second-graders sharing a campus with older students.

Parents and students toured throughout the school during Tuesday’s event.