Hackettstown High School Principal Quits!
auntiel
No Deal. He just had aspirations that are taking him elsewhere. I don't know if he got another job, but I DO know that being a principal was really infringing on his home life. He has a wife and two young kids and was often torn between going to district events and family events. I wish him well!
I have gotten the feeling that it was a pretty mutual decision. I've been told that many people felt he was not a "good fit" for HHS. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don't I guess. I too was taken by surprise though.
He was not a "good fit" so he took a medical leave for hip surgery and road out into the sunset. I wish him a speady recovery and best wishes!
There's some really bad spelling going on here. I am very thankful for the English teachers I had when I was in elementary school. Some of what's posted here is very sad.
cbel 
P.S. I don't think it's the fault of the students. They can't learn what we don't teach them.
Well deadhead is my child and he posts like he is texting! Once again we wish we had spell check!!!!
Christine pretty cheap shot cbel... how about sticking to the post at hand instead of criticizing people for their thoughts...
How is it a cheap shot when I feel sad that children today don't get to learn the way that I did? I don't understand your comment.
You think spelling is bad here? Rumor has it that in Mt Olive the New Super wants to eliminate Social Studies from the curriculum since they don’t' test on it in the state.
First the shop classes and now Social Studies. What is next?
I dunno (spelling intentional on that one) - when my kid texts, he spells his words in full, uses complete sentences and proper punctuation and caps, other than the word "you", he chooses to use "u". His friends accept it, don't tease him and don't really care. It's his choice and I am proud of him for it. I, myself, have never texted, WILL never text. I'm not holding a typewriter, so, as long as I am holding a telephone, why would I want to type?? Or take pictures, for that matter?? Isn't that what a camera is for?
The continued dumbing dwon of our kids.....
Funny, the only thing cell phones DON'T do well is operate as a phone!
Now, be honest.... how many of you are thinking that he's either crazy or a geeky nerd or anything else? The truth.
Perhaps if the principal leaves and one more dedicated to education replaces him, the school report card will improve. Right now, out of 316 public high schools in NJ, it ranks # 237, having been dropping steadily.
I'm with you, cbel. I'm glad that my teachers (and parents) really stressed proper spelling and grammar.
MB Why is it when the children do great in school...it is the children? When the children do badly in school..it is the poor teaching. Just wondering.
Seein the Reality How do you know if the people doing the posting are children????
Lots of adults have poor spelling from what I see here!
wondering: Speaking for myself, I'm not putting any blame on teachers whatsoever. When I was in school, there was a big focus on grammar, spelling, and even penmanship if you can believe it. Things have changed over time, that's for sure.
Cbel - Things have certainly changed and while you may not think it's for the best I am glad education has changed. It has to. This youtube clip was on another thread but I think you need to view it again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPO_HGafBsE. The kids of today are facing a very different world than the one you grew up in cbel and they need to have very different skills than you had. Most if not all of the advances and innovations in technology that you are depending on in your lifestyle, (healthcare, transportation, energy, ect.) will be created by the kids we are currently educating. I myself would rather have a kid educated to find the cure for cancer than have perfect penmanship. IMHO
BLD: You are very right. I wasn't so much criticizing as reflecting. I never said things have changed for the worst. I just said that things have changed for sure.
And for sure the world that kids are facing today is very difficult.
And I didn't say the world was any more difficult than the world previous generations lived in. It is just very different. Your comments imply that you feel children are not being educated in the skills you feel they need to succeed like spelling, grammar, penmanship and I disagree with that point. If that was not your implication I apologize.
It wasn't, BLD. I guess I was just reminiscing. (I wonder if I spelled that right, :) )
Um ok that is totally not what I said. Like not at all. Where did the rest of my comment go?
GC Thats where I was going GC. LOL Just checkin. I figured you would let me know if it was on your end. I commented on ML Lakers thing about how the only thing cell phones arent good for is being used as a phone. We can text, take pictures(pix), videos(flix), play games, get directions, go on the internet, drop them in water (had to have that phone considering I washed 6 other phones),but we when you want to make a call using your cellular 'phone' it doesn't work. LOL
It got the post but cut off - perhaps some special characters like parens or greater than less than were included. In any case, I think the other post that just plain wasn't there shows it's something else going on with your end.
yes there were greater than less than symbols. oops we cant do that? LOL my bad.
CARNi ~
Ha! ;D Perhaps!! But, trust me.... if I could speak instead of type.... I would!!!
I only type when and because I must.... but if I'm holding something called a "telephone", you'd be hard-pressed to find me choosing to use my fingers instead of my mouth!! LOL
Personally I am glad he is gone. I worked with many principals over the last 30 plus years, and in my opinion he was absolutely useless. He undid all the progress made in the years previous to his employment. I am sure the next principal will be of similar ilk because that is what "they" want for our schools; yes men! (rumor has it an elementary principal will move up with the hopes he will quit and then they can hire someone for less money - have you heard that one?) The local system is no longer interested in the students as people but only how well they test so we can get more financial assistance from the state and federal government. I know we have to get money because taxes are already too high but I don't think it is worth the price the kids have to pay! There are lots of other ways we could save; e.g.. why do we need a principal in both elementary schoos?The entire time my child was in grade school he/she saw the principal once and that was over crayons - a shared principal could have handled that "emergency" at a later time on the day. With the money they save they could hire a full time grant writer and another teacher! A good grant writer can rake in lots of money!!
Frustrated,
I understand your thoughts, but I disagree completely with the idea of only having one principal in both schools. I do not know where you went to school that you only saw your principal once, but both principals are very involved with the students. My son went to Hatchery Hill for Kindergarten and is now in Willow Grove. Two excellent principals who are always there for the children. Mr. Sarcone even won the NJ Principal of the Year award! I'm sorry that wherever you went, the principal wasn't involved, but that is not the case in these two schools. Losing either would be a huge loss for the students and the community.
Alison FRUSTRATED --- you couldn't be MORE wrong. NOBODY is hoping any elementary school principal will resign. And EVERYONE is working toward the best interests of the students.
School board members do not get paid, yet they give up countless hours to the job. WHY? Because they DO care about all the students and truly want what is best for all of them.
If you disagree, then I suggest you pick up a packet in the board office next January and run for the board yourself. Or at the VERY least, come to a board meeting!
I can attest that I have never seen a principal as heavily involved in the day-to-day activities as Mr. Sarcone in Willow Grove. I believe the benefits of having one principal in each of our elementary schools far outweigh the costs.
If I remember correctly, however, that when my oldest son went to Mansfield school about nine years ago, they had a superintendent, principal, and vice-principal, all for just one school. I'm not sure if it's still like that, but it seemed like a lot for just one school.
Rich I am soooo glad that he quit! I had dealings with him once when my oldest daughter was a Senior and he was the coldest, uncaring, etc. etc. etc. person I have ever met. I actually enrolled my middle daughter in another school so I wouldn't have to ever see him again. Thank goodness he is gone! In all my years of having kids in school, I have never met an administrator quite like him. I have to agree.....he was useless!
Has anyone heard who they might be thinking of to replace him? We need a Mr. Sarcone in HHS!
momx3 Just Joe (or anyone else who can answer)
You seem to be well acquainted with the role of a Board of Ed. I have a very honest question, not an accusation, but a question. I do believe most board members have the students interests in mind, but how much do Bd. of Ed. members really know about what is happening in the schools?
I want to say that I think Permalink voiced what I was trying to say much better than I. I do think that MOST board members have the childrens best interest at heart and that they do not know what is really going on in the schools. They are told what is happening by the people that are hired to do that job. The trouble seems to be that, as in ANY workplace, the person with the "ear" of the boss will tell them what they want them to know and/or slant things the way they want them. It is human nature.
I also agree with Joe to the extent that it is nice and comforting to have someone around to be "suppportive" of activities that the students are involved in but at what cost? I still feel that the money could be more wisely spent.
I also know that I am "out of touch" with todays mores. It is considered wrong to use common sense; everything is for the good of the individual. I liked it better when it was for the good of the majority! Please, let use continue to throw kids out of school for using their finger and pretending to "shoot" the bad guy! Lets continue to exclude activities because some cannot afford it! If you couldnd't afford children, why did you have them? I think I am tired of paying to charities I am not able to select. I do and will continue to donate to causes I think are worthy - you having too many kids is not one of them! I am definitely not speaking of the people that had children then lost their jobs or had a tragedy strike. I am speaking of the ones that buy $400,000.00 homes on an annual income that comes no where near being able to carry such a large burden. Stupid is no reason to take my tax money (charity).
Can you tell I am frustrated? Sorry if I offended anyone - I just need to vent - I no longer can afford vacations and other types of stress relief (taxes you know!!).Most importantly, enjoy your health; it really is the most important thing!
Frustrated,
I believe you are right about Bd. of Ed. Most of them want what they think is best for students and try to balance it with taxpayer needs. In my experience, their main source of information is from the Superintendants office. Of course,the super, being human, will spin things to support their own agenda. Additionally, they will not easily admit if there are issues in the schools, because that would reflect poorly on them. And it is the Bd. of Ed that is the super's 'boss'. Thus, part of the reason I asked the question in the above post.
My daughter is a senior this year, thank god he is gone, I have to say one of the most uncaring and unfriendly Principals I have ever met. On the other hand Ms. Daulton and all the rest of the staff are wonderful, Thank god for them.
chrisb John Sarcone, the current pricipal @ the Willow Grove School, will take over as the HS principal in June. John is an excellnet choice!
Concerned Citizen, is that really true that Mr. Sarcone is leaving Willow Grove and taking over at HHS??? How do you know? I will be crushed if he leaves Willow Grove...
The high school is lucky to get John Sarcone. We will really miss him at Willow Grove. I think he has a chance to really improve the high school. In a few years I look forward to having John as my children's principal.
I hope it is true that Mr. Sarcone is coming to HHS! He was awesome at Willow Grove when my child was there.
The Board of Ed, at their Wednesday night meeting, approved Mr. Sarcone to be the interim principal at HHS. There will be a search for an interim principal at Willow Grove.
I do not understand why we don't just move in people that have been there, and running things "behind the scenes" for the the last 10 years or so. They know what is going on and it would be smooth transition. I'm sure I could tell you why not but no-one really cares! A high school principal job is a LOT different than an elementary school principal. Mr. Sarcone was awesome in the lower grades - I hope he is up to the challenge. I am happy that he has knowledgable and supportive people to work with! Let's all keep our fingers crossed that things perk up for the students at HHS. If there is NO FUN, there is a lack of pride and interest! Education and safe, clean fun go hand-in-hand if you want the entire student body included, not just the "leaders"!
Good luck Mr. Sarcone!
WOW! Mr. Sarcone is great. It's a shame he won't be the principal for my daughter, but my son will have him in the high school soon enough
Doesn't "interim" mean "temporary"? Like until they find someone else? So maybe it won't be a permanent move for Mr. Sarcone? I'm hoping so. But I would guess that he might like a change and a new challenge, so I'm not really surprised either way. I just want to keep him at WG where my kids are!!
I guess that's what he's been getting in shape for, with all of that jogging. :0)
Best of luck, Mr. Sarcone! Hopefully you'll be there for all three of my kids.
Didn't I tell you that they were going to move him to the high school. Go back and read. Everyone was so sure I was wrong. You would be amazed at the crap that goes on. Dedicated teachers and admin. are often punished for doing a good job. New, cheaper and uncaring is the way to go I am afraid. Scores, scores, scores! Not kids, kids, kids! As someone mentioned elsewhere, education is not all about scores - you need other aspects integrated to make it a true "learning" experience!(music, sports, etc)
Not at school you don't.
I fully agree that the point shouldn't be to raise test scores.
But music and sports can be taught privately or by the town.
The schools should stick to English (not as a second language), math, American History, civics, science.
WGmom - Interim does mean temporary, however, many times it is used as a trial period to see if everything goes well before the job is handed over permanently. Most people who get an interim job wind up staying in the position - if they don't mess things up, that is. :)
Either there are two people in this thread named, "frustrated", or he/she has multiple personalities. As far as the first "frustrated" post goes, you only mentioned that there is no need for two elementary school principals. As far as I know, there is still going to be one for each school. As far as the other posts, they all seemed to be from different people. :)
Rich - It's "frustrated"'s second post that mentions the elementary principal moving up:
http://www.hackettstownlife.com/forum/113466#t113887
Frustrated- Have you stopped to consider the fact that John Sarcone may WANT to go to the high school and that its not the "uncaring" school board that is sending him there hoping he'll quit?
Feel free to call Willow Grove school and ask him yourself. You may be surprised that he does WANT to go and that the school board DOES care.
Just Joe
I did not say the school board does not care-I said it's all about scores because that is where we get the money. With taxes as high as they are we have to get all the money we can.
Also, I did not say he does not want the job - I said I doubted it (I have not spoken to him so I cannot speak FOR him). I just think there are others better suited for the position. He is doing a great job where he is. Why break what what is working to fix something that is better served another way?
You seem to take things personally or is it just projection on my part? JI am glad he has a friend like you; we all need friends in this life!
I am so glad he is leaving the high school...things have always been his own agenda...why ask the kids how they feel, what they would like to see done, any recomendations they would have...he would always turn them down and not because he thought it would not be good for the school or the students but just for the fact he didn't like it...The High School for sure needs this change
I just have one question, if he quit then why did I see him this morning out infront of the school??? just wondering really.
He really did resign SusieSmiles. It isn't a rumor at all. The entire school and teachers knew the day after it happened at a Board Meeting. He did have to have a hip replacement and was out for quite a while but a few weeks ago he really did resign because it wasn't a good fit. The reason he was in front of the school today was he has recovered from sugery and his resignation is not official until June 1st or a day around then. Mr. Sarcone will be the principal at least for now at the high school. It is not gossip because there is a letter about it if you click on the announcments section of the Hackettstown website. Just wanted to clear things up..
SusieSmiles - he did go out to have surgery. But then he resigned while on medical leave. The board accepted his resignation a few weeks ago. More recently they did approve John Sarcone to move to the high school.
Htown Resident chrisb - he was there because his resignation isn't effective until July 1st. School contracts run July 1st to June 30th for administrators. Basically he's not renewing his contract.
Well he was very well liked among the students or teachers. His body type kept him from being as out and about as the VP. He was also very persnickety about his prefix being Dr. not Mr, I learned this the hard way my first day in the school. His leaving is a sad thing at the High School.
P.S. He was back at the High School today. I presume to pack up his things and bid ado.
HHS student - is that a typo where you say he was very well liked? Did you leave out the NOT!!?? If you really liked him, good for you but you are actually only the second out of several dozen students that I have ever heard say that they liked him. Most don't know him (hides in his office) and not because of his hip - or they say he was just dismissive and rude whenever they had contact with him. I KNOW that most of the teachers absolutely do NOT like him! You try working with someone that cannot make a decision or back up one he finally does make (after several "mind changes") You never know what the heck is going on!! I wish him well - he has two young children - but I'm glad his future is not in HHS!
I know that Mr. Thompson, 4th grade teacher at WG, the Asst. Principal from the middle school, and someone else from HH all applied for the position.
jrsemom JustJoe,
Some of us know people in the schools and have the information because they tell us.
My son had Mr. Thompson this year and he was one of those teachers that have changed my son's life. He was amazing and I would love to see him get a good opportunity like this.
alison My son had him also and loved him.
All applicants are really good.
This is public knowledge. All you have to do is ask.
Christine - didn't your son just go to his junior prom?
Mr. Thompson has only been teaching at WG for about 5 years.
Rumor has it that Mr. Sarcone is at the high school every day and really seems enthused! Has had some good ideas already! Great to hear.
He's gonna be sorry. I give him 2 years, and that's a stretch. He has been dealing with small children and small children parents form Hackettstown. Now he has to deal with GM and Liberty, those kids and parents will eat him alive.
No Go Tigers they are not animals. Animals kill there hunt first, and then eat. These are humans who eat first and then kill.
"Christine - didn't your son just go to his junior prom?"
I then must be thinking of another teacher! HMMMM!
I must be thinking of a different teacher, also. Who was the 4th-grade teacher who just retired last year, that everyone liked?
Rich - I believe the retired one was the same one that help rescue people around the corner from my mom in PA:
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071109/NEWS/711090345
The article says his name is Tom Davis. The other hero in the article I went to school with and goes to my aunts/cousins church.
Yeah, that's the guy I was thinking of. Not sure why I confused that with "Thompson", though, LOL (other than his first name being Tom)
Well, if his dad's name is/was Tom, then he could be "Tom's son", so that's close enough :0)
FYI - "Mr. William Thompson Appointed Interim Principal of Willow Grove Elementary School"
http://www.hackettstown.org/16121091014265147/site/default.asp
So excited! He was wonderful! My daughter starts kindergarten there in Sept. So glad that she will have such a great principal!
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