MILLSTONE —Suzanne Guidry, an assistant principal at the Pond Road Middle School, Robbinsville, will become principal of the Millstone Township Elementary School on Jan. 1.
She will succeed Stephen Wisniewski as the elementary school’s principal. Wisniewski will become the superintendent/ principal in the Bradley Beach School District on Dec. 1.
Millstone Superintendent of Schools Scott Feder said, “Ms. Guidry comes with a wealth of knowledge in curriculum and instruction, as well as excellent interpersonal skills.”
He said Guidry will be in the elementary school prior to January, meeting staff and students. Wisniewski will help Guidry transition to her new position, Feder said.
Scott Hobson, the assistant principal at the Millstone primary and elementary schools, will spend most of his time at the elementary school during December, Feder said. There will also be support at the school from central office personnel.
Guidry was expected to attend “Family Movie Day” on Nov. 15 and a meet and greet with the PTO on Nov. 17 in the primary school.
“I am excited to participate in (those) community events and look forward to meeting Mr. Wisniewski soon,” Guidry said. “I feel extremely privileged to have been selected as the next principal at the Millstone Township Elementary School. I look forward to getting to know all the students, teachers and families.”
Guidry is a graduate of the State University of New York, New Paltz. She earned a graduate degree at Monmouth University, West Long Branch.
She began her teaching career in 2003 in Orange County, New York. She moved to New Jersey and taught in Fair Haven for five years. Guidry has been an assistant principal at the Pond Road Middle School in Robbinsville since 2011.
In coming to Millstone, Guidry said, “I have always been fortunate to work in school communities that are progressive and committed to excellence for teachers and students. I knew that Millstone is a small supportive community doing exciting and progressive work that is having a very positive impact on teaching and learning. I plan on spending time in classrooms, the lunchroom, on the playground, at drop-off and pick-up, building relationships.”
Guidry said her goal as a principal will be to continue to nurture the love of learning that is already shared among Millstone’s teachers, students and families. She said she has been inspired in her career by outstanding principals and school leaders, particularly Jamie Turner, a principal in Fair Haven.
Guidry said Turner inspired her to return to school and pursue administration.
“She is retired now, but she was a true instructional leader and knew every family and every student,” Guidry said.
The new principal has ideas for the future of the Millstone Township Elementary School.
“I want to continue to help it be a school where we work and play hard and have a strong sense of community,” she said.