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,

I hope you had a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and make special memories. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I am thrilled to welcome our students and families back to Parkway. Our classrooms are ready, our teachers are excited, and we cannot wait to fill our hallways with the energy and curiosity of our students once again.

This year, our school-wide focus will center on engagement: what it looks like, what helps it grow, and how we can create learning experiences that invite every child to think, participate, question, persevere, and take ownership of their learning. Throughout the year, our teachers will be studying engagement together and exploring ways to foster deeper involvement in academic learning.

An important part of this work will continue to be developing a growth mindset. We want our students to understand that learning is not always easy, and that is often where the most meaningful growth happens. Being engaged does not simply mean paying attention or completing a task. It means being willing to wrestle with an idea, try a new strategy, ask a question, learn from a mistake, and keep going when the answer does not come right away.

Our goal is to create classrooms where students are not simply doing the work, but are actively thinking about the work. We want our children to be curious, invested, and increasingly able to recognize themselves as capable learners.

As always, this work is strongest when school and home work together. Throughout the year, I look forward to sharing more about what we are learning about engagement and ways families can help encourage curiosity, persistence, and meaningful learning at home.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your children each day. I am looking forward to a joyful and engaging year of learning, growth, and connection at Parkway.

Have a lovely month,

Suzanne Barbi

Suzanne Barbi
Principal
Parkway Elementary School