Linden Schools Thank All 13 Principals for National Principals Month
Maria Torres · Union County Life
According to Linden Public Schools' post on November 3, 2026.
According to Linden Public Schools' announcement.
Principal David Walker got an urgent call to the parking lot just before 2 p.m. on Oct. 1. When he stepped outside, students and teachers were waiting for him, standing together in the shape of a heart.
The surprise at School No. 1 opened a month of thanks across the public schools in Linden. In October, the district marked National Principals Month by recognizing all 13 of its principals.
Vice Principal Rosalia Kolibas and teachers helped the students keep their places in the heart. Walker smiled as he made his way around the group, and some children reached out for high fives.
Other schools in the district held their own celebrations during the month. The district said principals were greeted with balloons, applause and words of thanks from students and staff.
The district said its principals support teachers, welcome families and guide the daily work of learning. It thanked them for the care behind their decisions, the support they give staff and the belief they place in students.
The district recognized all 13 principals: 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; and Frank Minniti, Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy.
National Principals Month has ended, but the district closed it with a simple message to its school leaders: their community is grateful for them.
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Source: Linden Public Schools
Photo: Alesia Talkachova / Pexels
What to do
- Contact
- Linden Public Schools, 908-486-2800
Frequently asked questions
What is National Principals Month?
National Principals Month is in October. Linden Public Schools used the month to thank all 13 of its principals.
How did School No. 1 in Linden surprise its principal?
On Oct. 1, Principal David Walker was called to the parking lot. There he found students and teachers standing together in the shape of a heart.
Which principals did Linden Public Schools recognize?
The district recognized all 13 principals, from School No. 1 through Linden High School and the Dr. Rocco G. Tomazic Preschool Academy. The full list appears in the article.
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