Community Update Letter 08/24/23
August 24, 2023
Dear Springfield Public Schools Community,
I hope you are enjoying the remaining weeks of summer!
Across our schools, we are gearing up for the new school year. You may have noticed extensive work going on around the buildings, as sidewalks and curbs are being replaced and grounds are being cleared. Inside our walls, our administrators have joined teachers and paraprofessionals in training programs, and are preparing their communication to you to welcome you to the new year.
Welcoming Mr. Pedro Garrido as Interim Principal at Walton
First, we are excited to welcome Mr. Pedro Garrido to Springfield Public Schools as the Interim Principal for Edward V. Walton Early Learning Center. Mr. Garrido recently retired from serving as Superintendent of the Roselle Park Public Schools. During his ten years leading Roselle Park, Mr. Garrido oversaw expansion to full-day kindergarten programming, the addition of full-day preschool programming, 1:1 technology implementation, and increases in academic achievement. Prior to the superintendency, Mr. Garrido served as an Elementary Principal and Assistant Principal in Guttenberg, as well as a Supervisor of Bilingual Studies, Guidance Counselor, and Teacher.
Since 2014, Mr. Garrido has also served as an adjunct professor at St. Peter's and Kean University, teaching graduate courses in school leadership and school counseling programs. He has two daughters who are now pursuing their own professional careers and lives with his wife in Monmouth County. While he has decided to retire from the superintendency, he remains committed to supporting student learning and is thrilled to support our students and staff while we conduct an in-depth search for the next leader of our Walton community.
Mr. Garrido will be meeting Walton families at the meet and greet on September 6th. Please join us in welcoming him to Springfield!
New Website
Our new website is launching today! Don’t hesitate to share any feedback about your website feedback to our Google Survey.
Upcoming Dates
Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving a variety of communications from the schools. Annual registration was opened today, and we encourage all of our families to review their information and make sure they are connected to OnCourse Connect to see updates regarding teacher placement and school schedules. For families with students attending Walton, Sandmeier, Caldwell, and FMG, the Meet and Greets will be held on Wednesday, September 6th. Please be on alert for information from your school principal! The first day of school is Thursday, September 7th, and we can’t wait to welcome our students!
Enjoy the remaining days of summer!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rachel Goldberg