Celebrating American Education Week at School No. 5
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ โ It was anything but an ordinary Tuesday at School No. 5 on November 20! In honor of American Education Week, a celebration of educators and the importance of fostering leadership in schools, fifth graders Karrington Gaston and Amelia Protasewicz swapped their backpacks for walkie-talkies and clipboards as they stepped into the role of Vice Principals for the Day.
With charm, confidence, and curiosity, the two student leaders joined Principal Rachelle Crawley for a whirlwind experience in school leadership. From morning announcements to hallway walkthroughs, Karrington and Amelia were everywhere, reading to younger students, supporting playground duty, checking in on lunchrooms, and offering helpful tips to classmates about focus, kindness, and school pride.
The highlight of the day? A VIP sit-down with district leaders! Karrington and Amelia engaged in thoughtful Q&A sessions with Superintendent Dr. Atiya Perkins, Business Administrator John Serapiglia, Elementary Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Jason Andersen, and District Security Director Keith Aslin.
They asked smart, insightful questions about school safety, facilities, and what it takes to keep a district running smoothly. The professionals were wowed by the studentsโ curiosity and poise, offering encouragement and real-life lessons in leadership.