Hoboken School Principal Nominated As 'Life Changer Of The Year'

A principal’s job is an especially difficult one.

In addition to hundreds or even thousands of students, a principal is responsible for motivating and training the staff and teachers at their school, no easy feat.

Luckily, Hoboken’s Thomas G. Connors Elementary School has Gerald Fitzhugh II.

Fitzhugh was recently nominated as a National Life Group “Life Changer of the Year” for his performance at the helm of the Hoboken elementary school, which he joined in 2012.

• See related article: Former Newark Principal Joins Hoboken District

According to the NLG’s website, their “Life Changer of the Year” award recognizes and rewards full-time educators, teachers, administrators or any member of a school’s staff who makes a positive difference in the lives of students.

The educators are nominated by school staff, administrators or students (with parent verification).

Here’s what the NLG has to say about Fitzhugh:

“Gerald Fitzhugh, II is a dynamic principal and leader of Thomas G. Connors Elementary School. Over the past few years, he has been the catalyst of significant changes within the school community. His efforts are focused on improving the social and academic development of each student that enters the school building.”

“Fitzhugh also supports the staff and provides them with the tools necessary to promote the rigorous education of each student. He holds weekly common planning meetings to promote staff collaboration and development. In addition, he is a consistent presence within each classroom, where he can often be seen observing teachers. Fitzhugh is particularly focused on integrating technology within each classroom so that students can become 21st century learners. Sometimes, he teaches the students himself so that other staff members can model many of the skills he encourages.

“Beyond his academic focus, Fitzhugh consistently shows that he cares about every student that enters his school. He has been known to make house calls to the homes of students with attendance issues, and he visits parents who are unable to come to school to discuss student needs. Each marking period, Fitzhugh invites the parents of Honor Roll students to enjoy breakfast with him and the students as a way to celebrate their successes. This year, he created the “middle school advisories” program, where students and teachers can interact in less conventional subjects including yoga, dance, gardening, and digital photography.”

Fitzhugh’s efforts resulted in a major milestone for Thomas Connors school, which recently was removed from the New Jersey Department of Education’s list of Focus Schools.

• See related article: Hoboken School Goes Out Of Focus

The nomination inspired an outpouring of supportive comments from Fitzhugh’s co-workers and staff on the NLG website:

“Mr. Fitzhugh is an inspiring leader,” wrote Jay Siekerka. “Never was I so happy to work harder. He made all of his teachers feel respected and worthwhile. I still miss working with him.”

“I am a teacher at Connors School,” wrote another supporter. “Principal Fitzhugh has given me the tools and support I need in order to become a more successful teacher.”

“As your AC, I was privileged to see firsthand how you care for your students and staff,” wrote Victoria Clark. “You made home visits, phone calls and did anything you felt needed to be done to insure that all students would learn! I am honored to know you and in my mind you will always be MY principal!”

Send Hoboken news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com