Our commitment in the East Rutherford School District is to provide a safe, positive, intellectual learning environment that will empower students to become creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and inspired learners prepared for high school, college, and life in the twenty-first century.

As Superintendent of Schools in the East Rutherford School District, I would like to continue setting high expectations for our students in regards to academic performance within the classroom, participation in co-curricular activities as well as responsible citizenship at school and in the community. I am asking each student to make a commitment to having PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In Daily Efforts) by being active participants in their learning and acting responsibly as an individual within our learning community.  Doing so will enable all to have a successful and enjoyable school year.

Parents are an integral part of our school community. We recognize that parents are our students’ first teachers, and as such need to be a critical part of our educational team. This strong partnership with parents and the community benefits all of our students. Together we can build a strong educational foundation for every student.

It is my belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning atmosphere that welcomes exploration, problem-solving, critical-thinking and enhances student confidence and achievement.  Having high and clear expectations for our students are essential while responding to each student as an individual.  This is fundamental in developing independent, productive, life-long learners that embrace the challenges of the 21st century.  I look forward in continuing to build strong parent and community partnerships, which are essential in fostering student success.  As I transition to this next chapter of my educational career, I am excited to work with the many community stakeholders, my fellow district administrators, the teaching staff, the parent community and most importantly, the students of the East Rutherford School District.  

I understand and embrace the excitement and challenges that lie ahead for the 2024-2025 school year.  As a Chief School Administrator in a professional learning community whose sole purpose is to promote student-centered learning and achievement, I am committed in preparing our students for the complex world of tomorrow and in continuing to make the East Rutherford School District one of the best school districts in the state.

New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) makes for a more rigorous approach to learning, as students will be challenged to develop their analytical skills, communicate their learning verbally, in writing, and/or in a presentation.  During the 2024-2025 school year, our students will continue to utilize technology as a learning tool which will allow our staff to share more real-time collaboration with their students while increasing our students’ 21st century learning experiences.

A driving force for me has always been the act of connecting with students and guiding them to become aware and responsible for their academic and behavioral choices.  The opportunity to impact so many students at the Pre-K to 8th educational level is my motivation.  A key thread of my administrative philosophy stems from the value and importance of character and citizenship.  Although I have many goals, a main focus will be to celebrate the students of the East Rutherford School District for their academic, extracurricular, and behavioral successes.  This includes promoting good decision-making and the ideas of recognizing all of the good things that students are doing. 

Elementary School is a time of learning basic skills, developing good work habits, gaining confidence to become independent learners while developing friendships.  Students can learn, given a positive learning atmosphere that welcomes exploration, problem-solving, critical-thinking and enhances student confidence and achievement.  An elementary student’s development follows individual patterns and timing; they also vary in temperament, personality, and aptitudes, as well as in what they learn in their family and within the social and cultural context or contexts that shape their experiences.  Having high and clear expectations for our students are essential while responding to each student as an individual.   This is fundamental in developing independent, productive, life-long learners that embrace the challenges of the 21^st century.  

Middle school is a time of a change. It is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging with the increase in workloads and the social adjustment to being on a larger campus and having multiple teachers through the course of the day.

 Wildcats, I encourage you to do the following so you can be successful in your transition and time in middle school:

• Communicate with others in a respectful and meaningful way.
• Pose questions, examine possibilities, and challenge yourself to find solutions.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Make positive choices related to physical and mental wellness.
• Make your mark on the Faust School by working hard and achieving great things.
• Make Faust School a caring community.
• Make new friends while still holding onto old ones.
• Join clubs, play sports, and participate in activities.
• Respect yourselves and your parents.
• Always keep your parents informed for they are an important part of your lives.
• Work hard to make the world a better place.

 Parents, please make time to:

• Ask your student(s) specific questions about their time at school.  For example, “What was the most interesting thing you did in math class today?” or “Tell me about your science experiment?”
• Communicate with your child/children about their performance on their homework, a test or quiz as well as their attendance. Your interest and concern in their school progress will motivate them to do their best.

• Communicate with your child’s/children’s teachers and staff members to establish a successful home/school connection.  All of our teachers have classroom websites with their contact information, homework assignments, and useful resources.

I am looking forward to a positive, upbeat school year in the East Rutherford School District.  I encourage all students to connect with our school; stand up to bullying, vandalism, and to anything you know is not right. Remind yourself you do not have to follow the crowd. Be yourself and even when no one is watching, do the right thing.  Parents, please help us by reinforcing school expectations at home and review our code of conduct with your child/children. With your help, McKenzie, Lincoln and Faust Schools will continue to be a school community in which every person feels respected, valued, and is encouraged and challenged to achieve at the highest levels.

I encourage all of you to be active in our PTA and your child’s/children’s educational journey.  Our partnership is essential for our continued success.  I am happy to partner with the East Rutherford School District’s educational team and effectively contribute to the overall safety, academic program, climate, and sense of community in East Rutherford.  I am excited for the opportunity to work with you and your child/children to provide a productive and safe learning environment that supports student success.

I encourage you to explore our District website throughout the year to learn more about McKenzie, Lincoln and Faust Schools.  Our website offers you the opportunity to learn about new events and access the individual links to gain knowledge of our facility, staff, programs, curriculum, activities, partnerships and other informative topics. Additionally, you can access each teacher’s personalized page that includes classroom highlights, student assignments, and educational links. Please be aware that if concerns arise at any time, you may contact your child’s/children’s teacher or Principal by emailing or calling the Main Office at each of our schools. 

Once again, welcome to the East Rutherford Public Schools!  I am honored to serve as Superintendent of Schools.

Sincerely,
Giovanni A. Giancaspro
Superintendent of Schools