Dear Comet Families,

As the Principal of Walter G. Nord School, I proudly serve my home community and sincerely enjoy helping families navigate through the many milestones in their child’s educational journey. 

It is my belief that Walter G. Nord School provides your child with a nurturing, safe, and respectful student-centered learning environment.  Our teachers take into account your child’s diverse social, emotional, and academic needs in order to help ensure their success.  

I also believe that student success is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders and look forward to working collaboratively with you and your family throughout the school year.  Please follow @NordPrincipal on X and check this website frequently for all the latest Walter G. Nord School news.  Updated contact information in your PowerSchool Parent Portal account will also ensure that you receive all communications from both myself and the district.  

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns throughout the school year.

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Ashley Harigan

Dean of Students Message - Rebecca McArthur

It is my privilege to serve the students, families, and staff at Walter G. Nord School! 

I grew up in the Keystone Schools and attended Ashland University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Education at Concordia University where I focused on Educational Leadership and earned my school principal licensure.

My teaching experiences range from PreKindergarten to 3rd Grade. I began my career in 2014, serving the Amherst Exempted Village Schools as an Early Intervention Specialist. I have taught my whole career in Amherst, as an Intervention Specialist and a General Education Teacher. Continuing my journey in Amherst, I am joining Walter G. Nord Middle School as the Dean of Students. 

I’m passionate about building positive relationships and working together with everyone that is a part of our school. My priority is to ensure that our students are meeting positive behavior expectations that create a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. 

My husband, CJ, and I live in LaGrange with our two daughters, Londyn and Lailyn, along with our Boxer, Alfred. We enjoy spending time together as a family and with our friends. 

Go Comets!

I grew up in the Black River Schools and attended Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio where I earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Middle Childhood Education. I earned a Masters of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Regent University in Virginia.  

My teaching career started in 2009 as a 4th and 5th-grade Title I Math teacher with Washington Court House Schools in Southern Ohio.  I then spent the next eight years teaching in South Florida and Northern Virginia, respectively.  Most of my time in the classroom was spent in Middle School Math while also serving as my school’s Athletic Director.  

I joined the Amherst Exempted Village School District in the fall of 2018 as an Assistant Principal at Marion L. Steele High School.  I have served as the Principal of Walter G. Nord School since the 2022- 2023 school year. 

My husband, Brad, and our children, Jase and Alyssa, live in Amherst and enjoy being a part of the Amherst community.  Go Comets!