Thank You Ms. Nardi

Email to Ms. Nardi cc’d to the BOE.

This email was intended to thank Ms. Nardi for the incredible job she has done for our District and as a cue to our Superintendent and our Board on the qualities of an effective leader of institutions that serve children and families.

Good Morning Ms. Nardi,

I wanted to thank you for remaining steadfast in the face of almost impossible change. For expertly managing the deficits of a botched reconfiguration and welcoming the Woodruff Children with warmth, acknowledging the impact by making every effort to incorporate some of their traditions into Hughes, and ensuring Ms. Gasparini was welcome to every event.  

Thank you for being the kind of principal who knows the job isn't about ideological battlegrounds, power plays through division, or building a resume- but about getting your hands dirty - showing teachers you are behind them, and letting kids know you are on their side. For making it about meaningful connections with children, staff, and families and not the photo-op or sound bites.

Thank you for understanding how to manage the anger and sadness of children and families who initially viewed you as a target, understanding where it was coming from, and working towards making them part of your community instead of vilifying and dividing them.

Thank you for respecting the history and traditions of our community - knowing that they are essential in cultivating a shared identity. Thank you for placing kindness and understanding over vengeance, humility over self-promotion, and authenticity over opportunism.

Thank you for standing with families and students and remaining true to the principles and responsibilities of your job.

You and I have never discussed the politics surrounding our schools, and I never felt the need to bring it up.  At Hughes, they were irrelevant because you did your job.

Thank you for giving [-----] a new home and two wonderful years in Hughes, we will all miss TPH.

And thank you to all the Principals in Berkeley Heights who have endured that last 3+ years despite the difficult circumstances.