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 Parkway Families,
As November settles in with its crisp mornings and golden leaves crunching underfoot, I find myself reflecting not just on the things I'm thankful for, but also on the things I'm still learning. And if I’m honest, I’ve learned quite a bit this year…mostly from making mistakes.
There's something beautifully humbling about the way children react when grown-ups mess up. Whether I forget my glasses or miss a scheduled appointment due to unexpected interruptions, our students are quick to offer grace and good humor. They remind me that mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re stepping stones.
This month at Parkway, we're focusing on the idea that mistakes are not only normal, they're necessary. In fact, the most powerful learning often happens just after things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a math problem that takes five tries to solve or a recess game that ends in disagreement, these little stumbles are what help our children build resilience, patience, and humility.
Yet in today’s world, where perfection can seem like the standard and winning can feel like the only goal, many students struggle with the ups and downs of everyday learning. They get frustrated when they lose, feel embarrassed when they’re wrong, or worry about not being the best. As a parent and educator, I know how tempting it is to smooth the road for our kids, but the truth is, we help them most by walking beside them as they navigate the bumps.
So, as we enter this season of gratitude and family togetherness, I want to encourage you to make time for something wonderfully old-fashioned: a family game night. Whether it’s a board game, a puzzle, or a friendly round of cards, games offer the perfect opportunity to model how to win with grace, and perhaps more importantly, how to lose with dignity.
Let your children see you laugh at your own mistakes. Show them that it’s okay to be disappointed, and that how we handle that disappointment matters. Celebrate effort over outcome, and use those moments to talk about perseverance, teamwork, and empathy. These lessons stick far longer than any trophy or high score.
And if things get a little competitive and someone flips the Monopoly board, use it as a moment to pause and reset.
Wishing you warmth, laughter, and a little bit of healthy competition this month.
Have a lovely month,
Suzanne Barbi
Suzanne Barbi, Principal