A school principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.

Mission Statement

Philosophy

            As an educational leader, I believe it is my responsibility to prepare our students with the skills, experiences and attitudes necessary to lead successful and productive lives.  I believe that this responsibility can only be carried out through a partnership with the learning community.  That is, the parents, the teachers, the Board of Education and the students. 

            I believe every effort should be made to establish a school environment that is emotionally and physically safe for our children.  The hallways and showcases should display the unique ways in which children learn and progress as well as the high expectations imparted from the learning community. 

            I believe the classroom environment should provide opportunities for problem solving and creativity through active participation in experiences relevant to real life.  Teachers should facilitate learning by planning activities and providing resources appropriate to the goals of the curriculum and based upon the prior experiences and learning styles of the students.  Teachers should plan to integrate subject areas to help students make interdisciplinary connections in learning and should provide for the various learning abilities in the classroom. 

            I believe the curriculum should develop the whole child.  The curriculum should provide a continuum of inter-related learning experiences that cognitively, physically, socially and emotionally build upon the confidence and productivity of our students.  Opportunities for co-curricular activities should be offered to expand and enrich student interest and area of intelligence.  I believe it is the responsibility of the teachers, administration, parents and the Board of Education to establish a cogent curriculum that reflects the New Jersey Core Curriculum and Content Standards resulting in literate, responsible citizens.

            I believe that authentic assessment is the true measure of growth.  It is an accurate reflection of how we learn in real-life situations.  Students should learn to express their ideas and learning through spoken and written communication as well as through various products or exhibitions.  Students should be given opportunities to peer and self reflect with a goal of developing a positive work ethic and self-management skills.  Various celebrations of success such as writing or science fairs should be open to the community to demonstrate the importance of the process as well as the product in student learning.

            I believe the learning community needs to be positive role models in representing respect and congeniality with whom we work and live.  The parents should not only be active participants with their own child's education, but they should play a vital role in helping with special school projects, sharing input on curriculum changes and helping to bring the community into the school.

I believe the teachers and administration need to model a love of learning.  Nurturing an environment of peer collaboration and collegiality results in high quality and seamless instruction for our students.  I believe it is necessary to require that staff actively utilize the resources and professional development opportunities offered for their unique level of growth in the teaching profession.   

            I believe the community is essential in developing a shared vision for the school.  Together, we would work to develop the basis for a lifetime of learning by affording each student the opportunity to benefit from a high quality education with a competent and dedicated staff working as partners with parents and community.