Alfred Annunziata
Principal
Sussex Middle School, 10 Loomis Avenue, Sussex, NJ 07461
Category: Middle School Principal - Northern Region
Alfred Annunziata has been principal of Sussex Middle School for nearly 10 years. Mr. Annunziata has also served as a vice principal, administrative assistant and teacher. A graduate of Slippery Rock State College, he earned his master’s degree at Rider University and pursued post graduate courses at Lehigh University.
Over the years, he has not only taken the lead in changing Sussex Middle School from a grade 6-8 elementary school to a true middle school, but has also taken risks to empower his staff by sharing responsibility for decision making. "We continue to enlist the strengths of our veteran and new staff to improve educational programs and professional development. Our team planning time offers daily opportunities for veteran and new staff to grow in a relaxed informal atmosphere. Exchanges are regular and enthusiastic. Several of our teachers have presented at national and local programs." Sussex Middle School has, in fact, become a model for other schools in transition. The program at Sussex Middle School is highly regarded by other districts and has been selected as a model for other districts to visit.
Under Mr. Annunziata’s stewardship, standardized tests of Sussex Middle School students are among the highest in the school’s socioeconomic group, statewide. Students also perform well in the Knowledge Master Open, National Science Olympiad, National Current Events League, Geography Bee, and Grange Spelling Bee. Along with the exceptional staff, Mr. Annunziata is proud of the positive and supportive learning environment that reflects the motto of Sussex Middle School - "Where Learning is First."
Enthusiasm for Mr. Annunziata’s accomplishments is not limited to principals and administrators. Parents are very positive about new school programs. As are colleges Ñ he has close affiliations with Ramapo College Ñ and with the few businesses that operate in this very rural area.
Superintendent Papp says that Mr. Annunziata "has empowered all the members of his staff because they know their input makes a difference. He has focused all change for the purpose of improved student achievement. His leadership has allowed the middle school to flourish. We have many visitors who come to our middle school to see how it is done. That is Mr. Annunziata’s legacy."
And from an assistant principal "Although Al allows and encourages individualities, he strongly promotes a collaborative approach for parents, students, and faculty to communicate effectively and work together productively."