A districtwide thank-you for the leaders who give so much to our school communities.

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOL, NJ – Oct. 28, 2026 – The call crackled over his walkie-talkie just before 2 p.m.: Principal Dave Walker was needed in the parking lot. Urgently.

The School No. 1 principal hurried from his first-floor office and pushed through a red glass door. Then came the screams.

Piercing, joyous, can’t-hold-it-in screams. Students and teachers stood arranged in the shape of a heart, and the children’s excitement rose the moment they spotted their principal.

Vice Principal Rosalia Kolibas and teachers helped the giddy students hold their places. Some could barely resist breaking formation to get closer, hands reaching for a high-five. Walker answered with a wide smile as he made his way around the gathering.

It was Oct. 1. National Principals Month had begun with a surprise, and the celebration was only getting started.

Across Linden Public Schools, that same spirit filled every building. Balloons, applause and heartfelt thank-yous greeted principals as students and staff found their own ways to show how much their leaders mean to them. The celebrations took different forms, but the message was shared: We see what you do, and we’re grateful.

School No. 1’s heart in the parking lot was one joyful expression of a districtwide appreciation for all 13 principals.

Where Leadership Becomes Personal

Our principals have helped get their buildings buzzing and their students off to a fast start. They support teachers, welcome families and guide the daily work of learning. Along the way, they build relationships that help children feel known, valued and ready to grow.

Their work moves from classrooms to conversations, from immediate needs to goals that take time and teamwork. A student needs encouragement to try again. A teacher needs help working through a challenge. A family needs to be heard.

These moments matter. They help create the conditions for students to succeed and bring the district’s Staff Excellence & Professional Growth priority to life through leadership that supports the people behind student learning.

Thirteen Principals. One Grateful Linden.

As October comes to a close, we couldn’t let National Principals Month end without recognizing each of these leaders:

• David Walker, School No. 1

• Peter Fingerlin, School No. 2

• Dr. Suzanne Olivero, School No. 4

• Rachelle Crawley, School No. 5

• Michael Walters, School No. 6

• Michelle Rodriguez, School No. 8

• Angela Principato, School No. 9

• Wayne Happel, School No. 10

• William Mastriano, McManus Middle School

• Gwendolyn Long, Soehl Middle School

• Charles Koonce, Linden High School

• Christopher Kolibas, Academy of Excellence

• Frank Minniti, Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy

To our principals: Thank you for the care behind your decisions, the support you give your staff and the belief you place in our students. Thank you for navigating the demanding days and making time for the small moments that mean so much.

You are appreciated. You are loved. And your Linden community is grateful for you.

#LPS_ShowUpAndROAR