SCHOOL NO. 1

Dr. Liz-Morell laid out her ambitious vision to transform the school into the "crown jewel" of Linden Public Schools. With a blend of determination, optimism, and empathy, she shared her story, outlined her goals, and invited parents to join her as equal partners in shaping a brighter future for their children.

"This school can and will be the crown jewel of Linden. We have the students, faculty, and parents to make it happen," Dr. Liz-Morell said during the Jan. 8 meet-and-greet. "We can’t move forward without parents. You are an essential part of this journey, and together, we can achieve excellence for our children."

Dr. Liz-Morell, a former elementary school principal in Paterson, brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, marked by a steadfast commitment to equity, inclusion, and academic excellence.

With 30-year career spanning roles as a teacher, administrator, and advocate, she told the gathering that she has successfully championed programs for multilingual learners, spearheaded initiatives to address disparities in underserved communities, and collaborated with state-level committees to ensure representation for marginalized families.

She said her leadership philosophy is rooted in fostering trust, dismantling barriers, and creating opportunities for every student to thrive. Dr. Liz-Morell’s hands-on approach and data-driven strategies have consistently resulted in improved outcomes for students, staff, and the communities she serves.

𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Addressing head-on the concerns of the parents, Dr. Liz-Morell acknowledged ongoing challenges, including gaps in communication, leadership transitions, and staffing shortages.

Parents expressed frustrations about inconsistent updates and the lack of timely notifications regarding school events.

“I hear your concerns,” she said. “But I ask that we channel that frustration into action and improvement. Communication is key. If you feel disconnected, that’s on me, and I will work to fix it. Together, we can improve and create something exceptional. I want every child to have the opportunity to thrive, to explore their potential, and to overcome challenges with the support of their school and their community."

She outlined plans to revamp the school’s communication methods, including frequent reminders via platforms like Blackboard and Dojo, as well as newsletters and direct outreach.

Engaging the Community for Academic Growth

Dr. Liz-Morell emphasized the critical role of parents in the school’s success.

“We can’t move forward without you,” she said, urging parents to stay involved and spread the word about initiatives that support student achievement.

Highlighting Linden’s forward-thinking programs, she added, “This district is ahead of the curve. Many districts are just starting initiatives that Linden has already put into practice.”

She also emphasized the importance of creating a positive and safe school environment. “If students’ basic needs—like safety and belonging—are not met, they won’t be motivated to learn. We need to build a foundation of trust and care.”

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

Parents spoke candidly about their concerns, including inadequate communication and limited parent-teacher engagement. One parent said, “We often find out about events secondhand, not from the school. That’s frustrating.”

Acknowledging the feedback, Dr. Liz-Morell promised to prioritize transparency. “I want to ensure you’re informed and engaged. If you feel disconnected, that’s on me, and I will work to fix it,” she said. Plans for improved outreach include reminder phone calls, increased use of social media, and additional opportunities for parent-teacher interactions.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭

The evening ended with Dr. Liz-Morell reaffirming her commitment to academic excellence and her belief in the school’s potential. “This school can and will be the crown jewel of Linden,” she declared. “We have the students, faculty, and parents to make it happen.”

Her closing remarks struck a chord with parents and staff, including Danie Orelien, director of Multilingual Learners, who expressed confidence in her leadership.

“Dr. Liz-Morell has shown an ability to listen and respond to parents’ concerns, even in her first few weeks. That’s a sign of strong leadership and a commitment to collaboration,” said Orelien observed.

She added that she admires Dr. Liz-Morell is her passion for the community and her commitment to making every child feel seen and supported.

“She’s already showing that she’s ready to partner with us to make a difference,” Orelien said.

“This school has a large multilingual population, and we’re working hard to ensure that every child has access to the resources they need, whether it’s through ESL programs, magnet schools, or after-school support.”