Their buildings are quiet right now – too quiet by their standards. But the five newest principals in the Kent School District are using their time to prepare for the first day of school next Tuesday, because they all know that when those doors open and the kids come piling in, the year moves very fast.

Like the district itself, the new principals at Sunrise, Park Orchard, Neely-O’Brien, Cedar Valley and Crestwood elementary schools are a diverse group from around the country.

On the heels of their first leadership retreat with the district, the new principals were eager to get started and excited about the upcoming year.

“It’s good for parents to know that we’re just as excited as the kids are,” said Christine Castillo, the new principal at Park Orchard Elementary.

The other new school leaders are Jennifer Reuland at Sunrise, Linda Butts at Crestwood, Chad Golden at Cedar Valley and Jody Metzger at Neely-O’Brien.

Castillo previously worked at Park Orchard as an assistant principal. Originally from Los Angeles, Calif., Castillo said the school and the district are a “good fit for what I can offer.” Castillo, who speaks Spanish and English, said she feels at home with the diversity, adding that the district is “richer” because of it.

“It makes the experience in the classes so much more exciting for the students,” she said.

Reuland, the new principal at Sunrise, also has experience within the district. She worked as an educational assistant in Springbrook and Glenridge elementary schools.

Reuland said she came to the Kent district four years ago because of its size and diversity, as well as the support from the administration and other teachers and principals.

“There are some amazing people in this district,” Reuland said. “It’s like a large district with a small feel to it.”

Butts, at Crestwood, has come the shortest distance to her new school. Though originally from Virginia, she previously worked in the Renton School District at two elementary schools.

Butts lives in the Kent district and has two children in its schools. She said she likes the district’s focus on students and goal-setting, and is excited to be involved.

“I know that everything (is) focused on what’s best for students,” she said.

The biggest culture shock among the five new principals will probably be for Metzger and Golden, both of whom come from much smaller school districts.

Before joining Neely-O’Brien, Metzger was the principal at Friday Harbor Elementary School in the San Juan Islands. Metzger said she wanted to be part of a larger, more urban school district,. She also said she was impressed with the friendly people and the dedication of the staff, though she admits the district’s diversity, while exciting, will be a change from that of her former district.

“I’m used to economic diversity, but ethnic diversity is different,” she said. “I have a lot to learn from my staff and my families.”

Also adjusting to life in a larger district is Golden at Cedar Valley. Previously, Golden was a teacher and principal in Castle Rock. After 10 years in the small, southwestern Washington district, Golden wanted a new experience in a larger, more diverse district.

The Kent district “fit well with what I believe,” he said, adding that he appreciates the support structure of the larger district and plans to take advantage of his new staff’s experience.

The new principals credited district superintendent Barbara Grohe with finding the right school for each of them.

“She matched us thoughtfully,” Reuland said to nods of agreement from the other newcomers all around the table. “I’m confident it’s the right match.”

All five said they’re excited to get started. But as they all prepare for their new jobs and their new schools, there is no doubt that each is focused primarily on the students who will walk through the doors Sept. 2 for the start of the 2008-09 school year.

“We have to make it the best school year for them,” Castillo said.