27 July 2020
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
I am writing today to inform you of an unexpected leadership change at Charles DeWolf Middle School. Mr. O’Neill, whom we all enjoy as CDW Principal, has notified the District that he has accepted another position as a Vice Principal in a High School, effective 1 September 2020. While we are very surprised and saddened by this news, we share in Mr. O’Neill’s excitement since this opportunity is one of growth for him, offering him high school leadership experiences that are student-focused. We know that Mr. O’Neill will always remain connected to our school community through the many friendships he has formed over the past six years and the visits he will make back to see us in the months and years ahead. Mr. O’Neill’s correspondence is attached here.
Due to the timing of Mr. O’Neill’s resignation and the nature of this upcoming school year, beginning 1 September, I will assume the role as Acting Principal of CDW. This should allow for a smoother start to an already different school year. Please be assured that all of our CDW faculty and staff will be working together to support our middle school students as they re-enter the school building and as they enjoy their 2020-2021 school year.
I will be collaborating with the Board of Education and faculty, as well as soliciting your input, to engage in a search process to find a new school leader. However, the timing of this process will not be rushed to reach a pre-determined deadline, especially given the fluid nature of these times. Instead, we will conduct a search until a wonderful middle school leader is found. In the meantime, I will remain in the school role.
Please share this information with your middle school child(ren) and allow your child(ren) to digest it. If your child(ren) would like to talk about this change or about re-entering school, or should you have any concerns about your middle school child, I encourage you to contact Mr. O’Neill who will be here through 31 August and/or please contact me. I may be reached at: 201-664-1421 ext. 2503 through 31 August; 201-664-1475, ext. 0, beginning 1 September. Of course, I may always be reached at [email protected].
For families with incoming fifth-grade students, we will be communicating with you soon about a mid- to late-August orientation program into the middle school. For all of our families, please know, Mr. Lauriello, the school’s Student Manager; Ms. Richardson, the school’s Counselor; and Ms. Rosica-Kirchner, the school’s Secretary; and I are here to support your middle schooler – during the summer months and throughout the school year!
Respectfully,
Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District