Message from the Principal

Halsted Middle School
59 Halsted Street • Newton, NJ 07860-1831
973-383-7440 phone • 973-383-7432 fax
www.newtonni.org

Dr. Samantha Castro, Principal

Angela Dunbar, Assistant Principal

December 30. 2021

Dear Halsted Families.

It is my honor to introduce myself. Dr. Samantha Castro, as the new principal of Halsted Middle School. I come to you with close to twenty years of experience in education: with almost five of those years spent as the Assistant Principal at Newton High School and the Director of Character Education and Security for the district. While at NHS I was able to forge life-long friendships, connections, and community partnerships. My goal over the next few weeks and months is to grow that same sense of family and belonging here at Halsted Middle School.

At the core of every healthy relationship is clear. honest, and respectful communication. My plan is to keep our school family informed of not only upcoming events but the day-to-day moments that make Halsted so special and brave. I will do this by sharing HMS Family Updates through our PowerSchool K12 alert system, staying active on social media and updating our website routinely. (Scan the QR Code below for fast access to follow all my social media). We live in a world of multi forms of communication, so I will also create videos whenever possible. I have linked my introduction video, for you to view at a time that is convenient for you and your family.

Below is a calendar of events that I will host for families to come into HMS for a meet and greet with me and to enjoy some coffee and winter treats. There my goal is to listen and learn about our community from our community.

Finally, a new year is upon us as it brings a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and focus. Halsted Middle School is full of remarkable teachers, students, and families that never stop pursuing improvement, joy. and sense of community. I believe every voice matters, so if you have any feedback or ideas on how we can improve please reach out to me directly at scastro/@newtonni.org. I will also seek feedback throughout the year because I value your input and investment into the community. I look forward to building relationships and working with each of you because together we are Halsted!

Happy New Year and Be Brave,

Dr. Samantha Castro

Principal

Halsted Middle School 59 Halsted Street • Newton, NJ 07860-1831 973-383-7440 phone • 973-383-7432 fax www.newtonni.org Dr. Samantha Castro, Principal Angela Dunbar, Assistant Principal December 30. 2021 Dear Halsted Families. It is my honor to introduce myself. Dr. Samantha Castro, as the new principal of Halsted Middle School. I come to you with close to twenty years of experience in education: with almost five of those years spent as the Assistant Principal at Newton High School and the Director of Character Education and Security for the district. While at NHS I was able to forge life-long friendships, connections, and community partnerships. My goal over the next few weeks and months is to grow that same sense of family and belonging here at Halsted Middle School. At the core of every healthy relationship is clear. honest, and respectful communication. My plan is to keep our school family informed of not only upcoming events but the day-to-day moments that make Halsted so special and brave. I will do this by sharing HMS Family Updates through our PowerSchool K12 alert system, staying active on social media and updating our website routinely. (Scan the QR Code below for fast access to follow all my social media). We live in a world of multi forms of communication, so I will also create videos whenever possible. I have linked my introduction video, for you to view at a time that is convenient for you and your family. Below is a calendar of events that I will host for families to come into HMS for a meet and greet with me and to enjoy some coffee and winter treats. There my goal is to listen and learn about our community from our community.

Finally, a new year is upon us as it brings a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and focus. Halsted Middle School is full of remarkable teachers, students, and families that never stop pursuing improvement, joy. and sense of community. I believe every voice matters, so if you have any feedback or ideas on how we can improve please reach out to me directly at scastro/@newtonni.org. I will also seek feedback throughout the year because I value your input and investment into the community. I look forward to building relationships and working with each of you because together we are Halsted! Happy New Year and Be Brave, Dr. Samantha Castro Principal