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,
When my two older boys were little, I did a bit too much for them. Like many well-intentioned parents, I wanted mornings to run smoothly and days to be easy, so I stepped in often, pouring cereal, finding shoes, cleaning up, and managing tasks they were capable of learning to do themselves. It came from love, but in hindsight, it also delayed opportunities for independence.
By the time my fourth child came along, my perspective had shifted. One morning, when he was just three years old, I watched him climb onto the counter, take down a bowl, pour his own cereal, and get himself breakfast. It wasn’t perfect or tidy, but it was powerful. He was proud, capable, and confident, and he knew that he was responsible for himself.
That moment stayed with me because responsibility is not something children suddenly acquire when they are older. It develops through small, repeated opportunities to take ownership of everyday tasks. When children are trusted to clean up after themselves, manage their belongings, or complete simple jobs, they learn that they are capable contributors to their home and school communities.
At school, responsibility shows up in many ways: taking care of materials, following routines, cleaning up shared spaces, and completing work with care. These habits help children become more productive learners and more respectful classmates. Responsibility builds independence, focus, and confidence, skills that support both academic success and personal growth.
At home, you can support this by giving children age-appropriate responsibilities and allowing them the time to complete tasks on their own. While it may be tempting to step in for the sake of efficiency, those small moments of independence matter. They send the message: You are capable. You are trusted. You are responsible.
Thank you for partnering with us as we help children grow into confident, capable learners who take pride in themselves and their work.
I wish you and your family a wonderful month ahead,
Suzanne Barbi
Suzanne Barbi, Principal