New principal is on the job

Last Updated on Friday, August 17, 2012 10:41 am Written by Suzanne Marino Wednesday, August 08, 2012 06:22 pm

Suzanne Marino

NORTHFIELD – Glenn Robbins, 33, has just arrived in the Northfield School District as the principal of the middle school, effective Wednesday, Aug.1.

He comes to the district from Egg Harbor Township where he taught U.S. History for three years before spending the last five years as an assistant principal. He also coached boy’s soccer for three years.  

Robbins said his first order of business now that he is in the district is to get to know his staff.

“I have been coming over on my lunch hour and stopping in when I can to meet teachers and the staff. This building has been very successful, I am not coming in here with plans to change things,” said Robbins. “Honestly, this is a perfect fit.”

“Part of my job is to make sure that the teachers are trained. I am more of a hands-on kind of educator. It is my job to give my teachers every opportunity to be successful. That can’t happen if I am sitting in my office with the door closed.  I like going into the classrooms and getting to know my teachers and the students,” said Robbins. He said the state changes in classroom observations; twice a year for tenured teachers and three times a year for non-tenured teachers is not a problem. 

He did say one thing he would like to see is more communication between parents and the school. “Most of the time it is parents saying there is not enough communication with the school but I don’t think they will be saying that because we will keep parents informed and reach out to parents if there is any reason to do so,” Robbins said. “We will do whatever we need to make sure our students are successful.”

Asked if he was a veteran of the Renaissance character education program Robbins said he has not been but is a firm believer in Renaissance for the students and the staff component as well. “I want my teachers to feel good about what they are doing and I want them to come into the school every morning smiling,” said the new principal.

Parents have had the opportunity to meet Robbins at two separate meet and greet events this week.

District Superintendent Janice Fipp said she is excited to have Robbins on board in the district and is looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Robbins replaces Maria Caiafa, who resigned the position due to her relocating to northern New Jersey. Robbins lives in Green Bank with his wife Abigail and their young son.