New Jersey Department of Education

Annette Giaquinto
Principal
Galloway Township Middle School, 100 South Reeds Road, Galloway Township, NJ 08201
Category: Middle School Principal - Southern Region

Annette Giaquinto has been principal of Galloway Township Middle School for nearly seven years. She began her career in education in 1984 as a teacher at the Charles W. Lewis Middle School in Gloucester Township. She also served in assistant principal positions at Blackwood Elementary and Glen Landing Middle Schools.

The Galloway Township Middle School’s mission, as she sees it, is to develop in students a "respect for learning and the life skills required to contribute positively as citizens in a diverse and technological world."

And the principal’s role? "I think," she said, " that the most important thing I do to promote our mission and a positive school culture is my positive visibility in the school and adding my personal touch whenever possible. I personally greet students and staff in the morning, visit classes and join in lessons, hand sign academic awards, cheer for our sports teams, attend concerts and academic competitions, meet with student council, and just simply spend time with students and staff."

Ms. Giaquinto is a "high energy" administrator who loves to participate directly in the classroom with her teachers and students. She holds high expectations and standards not just for staff and youngsters but also for herself. Her interactive and collaborative administrative style is always focused on providing learning opportunities.

A staff member said that she was "amazed that [Ms. Giaquinto] is able to speak to children both by name and regarding issues related specifically to them while maintaining a calm, orderly setting."

A mother who has three children in Galloway was equally amazed an Ms. Giaquinto’s ability to treat each of her students as individuals. "I have watched her enjoy the sense of humor that is so much my oldest son, draw out and talk to my very shy daughter about her love of horses, and enjoy and encourage my youngest son’s social interests."

Her superintendent, Douglas B. Groff, said that " Annette played an instrumental role in getting the district’s new middle school complex to open as scheduled. She was directly involved in this massive building project from beginning to end, lending her expertise during the design and construction phases, right through to planning the opening day activities and dedication ceremony. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Ms. Giaquinto to be among the first recipients recognized for their visionary leadership."