Celebrating Mr. Principe and His Retirement

by Noa Kiznerman

“Being a math teacher was like being a dentist; no one likes going to the dentist.”

It may come as a surprise that Mr. Principe, River Dell’s assistant principal, supervisor of guidance, and former math teacher, would admit such a thing. But after 29 years at River Dell, he can relate to a misery that many high schoolers face in school: math class. In fact, his view of mathematics is what helped shape his remarkable goals and accomplishments throughout his career, and there is much we can learn from him before he retires.

Throughout high school, Mr. Principe played basketball on his school team before he went on to coach baseball, basketball, and football at Weehawken High School and River Dell High School for a couple of years. As a high school senior, Mr. Principe wanted to become a P.E. teacher but felt drawn to math when he realized his passion for teaching others. Convinced by his peers about the lack of opportunities for a math career, however, his start at River Dell was delayed another ten years. It was only when he was offered a teaching job while he was a River Dell coach that he began teaching math. Mr. Principe says that his love for coaching and teaching

“really propelled me to be a teacher.”

Moreover, reflecting on his time in high school, Mr. Principe shares, “I remember the teachers who made a difference in my life, both outside of academics and as a teacher…I took those things and I said, ‘I’m going to teach the way Mr. So-andso or Ms. So-and-so taught me in high school.’” Efforts to make class seem less of a chore and more fun – a skill Mr. Principe admired growing up – shaped his aspirations when he started teaching math. “I want you to like coming to my class,” he shares about his time teaching. He frequently went to extra help when he was a student, so Mr. Principe understands the struggles of math, but he also acknowledges the power and satisfaction of sitting down to solve a complex problem independently.

Over the years, it has been undeniable that Mr. Principe’s teaching wasn’t just effective, but inspirational. Just like how Mr. Principe’s teachers motivated him to become a teacher, the cycle continued, as some of his students decided to pursue teaching careers because of him. Mr. Principe remarks, “That, to me, tells me I’ve made a difference in their lives, not only in teaching but also as a coach.”

While he values being an engaging teacher, Mr. Principe encourages students to reciprocate this enthusiasm and challenge what they are told instead of simply accepting it. He wisely advises, “if you have a doubt, you should always question it. You have the right to question it.” Despite being an influential teacher, he remarks how learning from others is just as important. “They [students and staff] challenged me, and because they challenged me, they made me so much better of a teacher than I could ever imagine to be, so I thank them for that.” When asked for any words of advice for students, Mr. Principe answered, “if there’s something that they don’t like, fight for what they believe in. Question everybody: their teachers, their administrators – question.”

After Mr. Principe leaves River Dell, he looks forward to being a first-time grandfather, playing golf, and walking his dog. He blissfully recalls his time at River Dell, “It’s been 29 years and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” teracting with people of all ages, and his outgoing and friendly personality has been reflected in his interactions with the River Dell students and staff.

On behalf of the students of River Dell, neither would we. We thank you for all your contributions to River Dell. Enjoy your retirement!

“One of my favorite memories is playing chess with a student who had special needs and was unable to communicate verbally,” he recounts. “We would play two or three times a week at lunch. I loved to see him laugh whenever he outsmarted me.”

When asked about his plans for retirement, Mr. Fletcher looks forward to spending time with family and “visiting every national park in America.”

Bon voyage, Mr. Fletcher, and thank you. River Dell will miss you!

Congratulations, Mr. Principe!