We are excited to highlight one of the newest members of the Bound Brook family: Ms. Suzanne Carbone, principal of Smalley Elementary School! Having joined over the summer, we spoke with Ms. Carbone to ask a few questions and welcome her into our school community.
Learn more about Smalley’s new principal and what drew her to the Bound Brook School District, including her inspiration for becoming a school principal and what the new role means to her.
Please tell us your educational background and what your role was prior to becoming a principal at Smalley.
I am an ELA teacher at heart! I taught 8th grade language arts and was a reading specialist before coming to Bound Brook. My passion is finding “just right books” for reluctant readers. Prior to working in Bound Brook, I was the principal of a K-4 building in Jersey City.
What made you want to work at Bound Brook?
I live in Middlesex! Working in Jersey City was quite a commute. I was looking for a school where I could be part of the community. I am so excited to live close and be able to come to the soccer games and after school events. I lived in Costa Rica, too. When I learned that Bound Brook has a large Costa Rican population, I fell even more in love.
What inspired you to become a school principal?
I became a teacher very young. I started at only 20 years old. In my experience, I have had wonderful principals and not so wonderful ones. I entered education for my love of teaching. I entered administration to help support teachers.
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
Meeting the families and the students!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love running with my dog, Luigi. We have been running together for almost seven years!
Is there anything else you would like the school community to know about you?
I love my job. I love coming to school, I love being at school, and I love being a part of the school community. I even love seeing my students at Target and Home Depot! I am very excited to be here and am always available to talk.