When students at the Highlands Public School meet their new principal Eric Pritchard when school doors open in September, they will be greeted by a dedicated, happy, eager educator who may be new to them, but not to the teenagers at Henry Hudson Regional School.
Pritchard was recently named principal at the K-6 school, taking the place of Dr. Jacoutet, who is now Director of Curriculum for the PreK through 12 grade regional district, and whose office is now at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School.
“By promoting proven leaders who already know our students, staff, and community, we are ensuring both continuity and a fresh, enthusiastic energy for the upcoming school year,” said Dr. Tara Beams, superintendent of the district in praising Pritchard and his plans for continuing Dr. Jacoutet’s excellence at the Highlands school. “This internal growth reflects the strength of our district’s professional culture and our shared commitment to excellence.”
The new principal, who has been on the job as principal since July 1 but has worked together with Dr. Beam’s and Jacoutet for many weeks prior, in anticipation of the planned expansion of the curriculum program, has a quarter of a century experience in the educational field at both elementary and high school levels. He served 20 years in the Hazlet Township school system, first as a substitute teacher and volunteer coach, next as a fourth grade teacher for three years at the Raritan Valley School, then with the social studies department at Raritan High School.
While at Raritan, Pritchard taught numerous classes not only on US history but also US government and politics as well as a variety of other elective classes.
Nor are his talents restricted to the classroom or leadership from an office. Athletes in a variety of fields and those who follow the discipline, teamwork and prowess of athletics can testify to his excellence as a coach in wrestling, girls track and field, and boys cross country and track and field where he has worked in all fields as both an assistant and head coach for years.
He is coming to the Highlands Elementary school directly from Henry Hudson, where he has been vice principal for four years, as well as Athletic Director for the Admirals, the high school athletic teams.
It has been his own teachers and experience in school that inspired Pritchard to go into education for his life work. With both undergraduate and master’s degrees from American University, Pritchard, said he selected education “as a way to give back and inspire the next generation. I was lucky to have a number of influential or inspirational coaches and teachers throughout my journey. Seeing the growth that students and faculty make during the course of their journey is very gratifying.”
Conceding that while “ are many aspects that are outside my control, “ nonetheless education is dynamic since it enables him to “focus on being the best I can be for our students and staff.”
Looking forward to this next step in his own career and already in admiration of the campus and building for the Highlands students, as well as its history and location of the school overlooking the borough, Pritchard said he is “ bringing the same energy and passion I brought to Hudson. I’ll continue to lead with energy and a strong faith in what our staff and students can accomplish.” He praised the work Dr. Jacoutot and the staff at Highlands have been accomplishing and added he is looking forward to “ keeping the success rolling and finding ways for me to support our students and staff.”
While it might present a challenge to some, Pritchard looks forward to getting to know new staff and student body. And he’s prepared to make it easier for everybody by being a highly visible leader. In addition to meeting with every staff member before school begins, this principal will be certain every student gets to him daily as he not only walks through school but also sits in on some of their classrooms “as I check out all of the awesome work they will be doing”
The fun part of the job as elementary school principal is the energy that age group student brings to a school. “It will be super fun interacting with them on a daily basis. It will also be fun getting to know our amazing faculty as well; I’ve worked with a few of them in various capacities in the district so I have some familiarity to build on.” Since being involved at this grade level is not new to him, Pritchard is reminded of his years as a fourth grade teacher ans is now looking forward to that experience again “in a new environment as well as in a familiar place.”
Pritchard believes he has the best of all worlds both as principal at the Highlands school and at home. Married and the father of two daughters, he is also watching both his girls meeting, enjoying and overcoming the challenges of college both attend now. He’s also an avid animal lover, as evidenced by the fact the family also includes Lucky the dog, and Princess Leia and Buddy, the family’s two cats. The family enjoys beach trips, watching movies, and fitness programs, and in quiet time, he is an avid reader and sports aficionado . And already one of his favorite mottos is Fly Ospreys!
Pritchard
