The West Milford School District actually hired three new elementary school principals for the 2013-14 school year.
Primavera, 33, took over the helm of Apshawa Elementary School in July. Primavera attended William Paterson University for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a master's degree in education with a language arts concentration. She was a presidential scholarship recipient at both levels, and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Her post-masters studies were in administration and supervision.
A teacher’s destiny
Primavera knew from an early age that she wanted to be an educator.
“Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I can remember setting up a classroom in my bedroom and playing with my younger sisters," she said. "Essentially, I have always been a teacher because I had younger siblings who looked up to me. I always felt a responsibility to teach and guide them throughout their lives.”
While working towards her teaching certificate, Primavera coached gymnastics, cheerleading, and track and field at Butler High School.
“I have always been involved with sports throughout my life, and it was a great opportunity for me to give back my knowledge and experience and work with the students,” said Primavera.
Primavera was named the Northern Hills Conference and Star-Ledger Coach of the Year for Track and Field in 2005. It was during this time while coaching in Butler that she met her husband, Ed, who is a commercial carpenter.
Primavera taught second and third grade at Aaron Decker Elementary School in Butler for 10 years. Throughout that time, she was also part of various committees that supported student achievement, including serving as the Butler district’s Professional Development chairperson, teacher in Charge and school Affirmative Action officer.
Primavera and her husband were married, then started a family of their own here in West Milford. Their six-year-old son, Brayden, attends Paradise Knoll Elementary School and their four-year-old daughter, Lyla, starts kindergarten in the fall. Primavera returned to school to further advance her career.
“I decided to go back to school because I am a lifelong learner and always searching for ways to improve,” she said.
Transition from teacher to administrator
The transition from teacher to administrator was a natural one for her.
“Throughout my life, I have always taken on leadership roles, whether it was the captain of a team or a chair of a committee," she said. "While working as a teacher, I knew I wanted to go back to graduate school and people around me and other administrators shared that they thought I should pursue a career in administration. I felt that it was the next natural step in my career.”
As Primavera began applying for administrative positions, several in the West Milford School District became available. With her experience in Readers and Writers Workshop and her additional training and background in Fountas and Pinnell assessment (both programs utilized by West Milford Schools), Primavera was a prime candidate.
"After interviewing with the committees, I felt very comfortable and right at home. Many of the goals and values held by the district are ones I hold dear to my heart," she said.
Primavera was appointed to the position of principal of Apshawa School effective July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014.
“Primavera believes that teacher quality is the single most important factor in a child’s achievement and that communication with families and the wider school community is the key to a child’s educational success," said Superintendent of Schools James McLaughlin.
Principal goals, community expectations
The very first goal Primavera set for herself as principal of Apshawa Elementary School was to learn about her new school community.
“As I get to better know them, I understand more deeply their values and beliefs,” she said, “Together we are forming wonderful relationships where we are continuing the excellence Apshawa families are accustomed to, and, at the same time, bringing Apshawa to greater heights, enabling our students to be college and career ready for the future.” Primavera said the Apshawa school community can always expect her door to be open and for her to be an active listener.
As for discipline, Primavera said she has and always will approach discipline in a positive manner.
“I believe discipline should be a learning experience,” she said, adding, “By providing children expectations, they always rise to the occasion.”
Living a good life in a good community
Primavera’s personal philosophy/mission is to live each day to the fullest.
“I believe in building healthy relationships with others in which we can become each other’s biggest advocates,” said Primavera.
Her favorite quote is by American Author Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Primavera and her husband enjoy sharing experiences with their children. “We try and take them on ‘adventures’ and expose them to new experiences all the time.” Primavera said that each of their children has a memory box that is filling up very quickly. “Some of our favorite memories include running the Color Run 5K this summer, seeing plays at the Morristown Theater, and making homemade pasta,” she said.
The principal experience
So, how has her experience as principal of Apshawa been so far? Primavera is happy in her new position, enjoying the challenges, joys, and experiences that come with the job.
“I lead Apshawa in the same manner I live my life: with respect, confidence, and passion. My major goal as principal is to support the educational interests of students, staff, and community.”