Meet The New Principal Of Oliver Street School In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Luis Henriques has officially taken over the reins from former principal Douglas Petty at Oliver Street School In Newark.

On Thursday, Henriques reached out to the school community with a letter, writing that he’s taking over his new post with “great humbleness, excitement and pride.”

Petty announced his resignation earlier this month. He is taking a new job as the superintendent of the Lodi Public School District.

• See related article: Newark Principal Takes New Job As Lodi Superintendent

Henriques’ full letter follows below.

“It is with great humbleness, excitement and pride that I write this letter to you as the newly appointed Principal of Oliver Street School. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I am a product of the Newark Public Schools, having attended Ann Street School and East High School as a student. I also pride myself in having a long career in education within the Newark Public Schools (East Side HS). I started at East side as a Social Studies Teacher in 2003, where I taught for 7 years. My administrative career started when I served 3 years as an Athletic Director and 6 as a Vice Principal of East Side HS.

“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to work alongside a great team of professionals that have made Oliver Street School the best elementary school in the city of Newark. My number one focus as an educator and administrator has always been our children. I am committed to the students, staff and families of the Oliver Street School community and pledge to support you in every way necessary to ensure our students receive the high quality education they are deserving of. I am a father of 2 little boys and will work to ensure your children get the education and care I expect for my own.

“I have always led with an “open door” policy and I will make myself available to answer questions and receive suggestions from families and community leaders. I look forward to leading the great team of professionals at Oliver Street School and look forward to a wonderful school year.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.