Parsons School showcases student programs as Principal Diana Whalen announces retirement; Tracy Quattrochi named successor

Parsons School hosted the March 25 meeting of the North Brunswick Township Board of Education, where students and staff presented classroom projects and the school’s leadership transition was announced.

Principal Diana Whalen, who was introduced earlier in the evening by Superintendent Dr. Zikowski, welcomed families and described the school’s vision before delivering farewell remarks as she prepares to retire after a 29-year career. “A great school administrator is not measured by their constant presence, but by how well their staff is prepared to lead and thrive in their absence,” Whalen said, thanking staff, students and families for their partnership.

Tracy Quattrochi, the district’s director of elementary instruction, presented Goal 1 for the year—raising ELA proficiency—highlighting the district’s use of MAP Growth tests and data teams to translate assessment data into classroom instruction. Quattrochi said Parsons’ fourth-grade growth on the winter MAP administration was at the 53rd percentile, exceeding a national target of 50. “A goal is only as good as the plan we have behind it,” Quattrochi said, describing tier‑1 strategies, assessments and recognition systems used to motivate students.

Quattrochi also thanked the board after the consent agenda vote and said she will assume the Parsons principalship on July 1. “My primary focus between now and July will be to ensure unwavering stability as we work together to build our new leadership team,” she said.

The evening included student demonstrations across several programs. Ally Hart, SOAR coordinator, introduced third- and fourth-grade "Triples"—students clustered for enriched instruction in language arts, math and nonverbal reasoning. Students described project-based work, vocabulary study and a recent action project on invasive species. “SOAR gives us academic challenges and deeper learning,” a student said during the presentation, describing how the program supports both academic and social-emotional growth.

Art teacher Miss Rigby presented a multicultural-art project that invited students to explore family traditions in class-produced culture jars, and literacy coach Jenna Ballard and ESL/bilingual coach Marie Mar Suarez showcased Benchmark Advance lessons and bilingual supports used in K–4 classrooms. The board toured grade‑level stations where students shared culminating tasks and vocabulary work.

School staff also announced that Parsons Elementary’s yearbook won a national first-place award for elementary school photography in 2025; the winning plaque will be displayed outside the school’s technology lab.

Whalen’s remarks closed the school portion of the meeting. She emphasized team leadership and expressed confidence that the school will continue to thrive under new leadership. The board and attendees offered thanks and best wishes for her retirement.

The next procedural items on the agenda shifted the meeting back to regular board business, including approval of minutes and committee reports.