"Enter to learn, depart to serve, and leave the place better than you found it."
Hello Bogota Buccaneers!
My name is Matthew Barone and I am honored to serve as your Vice Principal. I received my Bachelor's degree in History and Secondary Education from William Paterson University in 2016-- graduating Summa Cum Laude. I arrived in the East Orange School District as a Social Studies Teacher in 2016. In 2021, I earned my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University, also graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are perfectly aligned, we perform better when our thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are balanced. We want learning to stay relevant to our scholars by differentiating instruction, cultivating a growth mindset, and addressing the need for social-emotional learning. We will keep the teachers up-to-date with the latest pedagogies and technologies through relevant, targeted professional development. We will incorporate students into the aesthetic of the school in a plethora of ways, including but not limited to the presentation of student artwork, murals, inspirational messages of encouragement, and individual/team accolades prominently displayed throughout the building. An open and honest line of communication between the students and staff is also critical in maintaining a high level of school safety. Our actions will be intentional, and all activities will be purposeful under our vision.
My mission in education is to effectuate excellence without excuses. Each day, I enter to learn and depart to serve. It is my personal goal to leave places better than I found them. As an educational leader, I will model for all stakeholders the qualities I believe lead to sustained success: persistence, empathy, authenticity, and knowledge. I plan to challenge educators to strive for their best in teaching, reaching, and engaging our scholars. I will urge them to consider their current philosophy and ask them to elevate further. I plan to encourage everyone to be vested, passionate participants driven by the passion for the betterment of our school community.
Yours in Service,
Matthew Barone