Returning to her office today, Principal Kim Diorio plans to wrap up the year at Palo Alto High School aiding newly appointed Adam Paulson in his transition to the role of principal.

Paulson’s selection as principal was announced Friday, pending today’s board approval. The announcement follows Diorio’s resignation early March.

“I really want to make sure he [Paulson] is set up to get off to a great start for next year and that our students, and our school, is in really great shape,” Diorio said. “It’s really important to me.”

According to Diorio, she is happy with the school’s decision for her replacement.

“I’ll be here for the next few weeks, working with Mr. Paulson and the rest of the administrative team to really help with the transition,” Diorio said. “There’s still some work we need to do to get the school ready.”

Teachers and students have been visiting Diorio’s office all morning to welcome her back. Faculty adorned her office door with colorful paper hearts featuring personal notes, while a poster reading “You make our lives sparkle” hangs near her office.

“It’s been really sweet and a little overwhelming,” Diorio said. “It’s just been a steady trickle of people stopping in the office just wishing me well and giving me a hug and saying how happy they are to see me.”

For now, Diorio is enjoying the end-of-the-year festivities while bidding farewell to the students and staff she has spent so many years with.

“I plan to be around at graduation and baccalaureate [and] say goodbye to the people that I … have enjoyed working with for the last 11 years,” Diorio said. “I just can’t wait to connect with them [the seniors] and talk with them and really enjoy … all the senior activities that take place.”