Our Principal
Suzanne Barbi is the principal at Parkway School. She began her love of learning by earning a Bachelor of Arts in history from Providence College. After a short career in finance, Mrs. Barbi received her master’s in the science of education from Fordham University. She then taught K–4 grade students at P.S. 49 in the South Bronx. As Mrs. Barbi’s leadership responsibilities expanded, she left NYC to pursue her second master’s in education at Harvard University, where she received her degree as well as her principal certification.
After returning to New Jersey, Mrs. Barbi served as an assistant principal, principal, and curriculum coordinator in other northern New Jersey school districts. In 2009, Mrs. Barbi became the principal at Parkway School and found her permanent home as the leader of an amazing community of learners. Mrs. Barbi is committed to creating kind, responsible, thoughtful citizens at Parkway School and thoroughly enjoys her role.
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well. In today's fast-paced world, it's indeed a challenge for children to develop a sense of long-term goals amid the prevalence of instant gratification. The technological changes we've witnessed, such as immediate access to information and on-demand entertainment, contribute to the diminishing art of waiting. As parents, we play a crucial role in helping our children navigate this landscape and cultivate a sense of purpose and delayed gratification.
One effective approach is engaging in open and honest conversations with our children about goal setting. Encourage them to reflect on their interests and aspirations, allowing them to choose a goal that resonates with them. Whether it's academic, behavioral, social, or physical, the key is that the goal is something they genuinely care about.
Once they've set their goal, assist them in breaking it down into smaller, manageable benchmarks. These milestones serve as checkpoints, allowing them to assess their progress and celebrate small victories. Additionally, discuss potential roadblocks they might encounter on their journey. Encourage them to brainstorm solutions to these challenges beforehand, instilling a proactive mindset.
Empower your children to take ownership of their progress by having them devise a tracking system. This could be a visual chart, a journal, or any method that suits their preferences. Tracking their progress fosters a sense of accountability and reinforces the connection between effort and results.
Most importantly, after providing guidance and support, allow them the autonomy to pursue their goals independently. This step is crucial in helping them develop self-discipline and a sense of responsibility.
By incorporating these steps into our parenting approach, we can help our children set goals and instill the value of patience and perseverance. As they experience the satisfaction of achieving their objectives over time, they'll learn the importance of delayed gratification and the fulfillment of accomplishing something meaningful.
I wish you and your family a wonderful month filled with warmth and growth.
Have a fantastic month,
Suzanne Barbi
Suzanne Barbi, Principal