By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – With a little more than a month into his tenure with the Alabaster City School System, new Thompson High School Principal Chris Tangle has already cleared one of his first major tasks with the system.

“We finished up registration today, and it went very smoothly,” Tangle said. “I think it went a lot faster this year with the online registration than it did last year.”

About 100 ACS teachers and staff members, city leaders, friends and family members gathered at the Alabaster Senior Center on July 29 to welcome Tangle and his family to the city at a reception sponsored by the THS PTO.

Tangle, who was hired as the new THS principal in June and most recently served as the principal of Saraland Elementary School, said he has been welcomed with open arms since arriving at THS.

“I’ve never had anything quite like this before,” Tangle, who was joined by his wife, Michelle, daughter, Kelsey, and son, Hunter, said of the reception. “Everyone has been so helpful and cooperative.”

Alabaster School Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers praised Tangle for bringing a wide range of experience to the school system.

“He has been an administrator at the elementary, high and middle school levels, so he brings a large amount of leadership with him,” Vickers said. “He knows the importance of academic leadership and athletic leadership.”

During the reception, dozens lined up to greet Tangle and his family while a live band performed and refreshments were served.

“We are grateful for the chance to having you with us, and we look forward to the potential you bring,” City Councilman Bob Hicks told Tangle.

Tangle said the school has undergone a summer cleaning and floor waxing, and said he is looking forward to Aug. 7.

“We will be ready to welcome the students back next Thursday,” Tangle said.