Westwood Principal Leaves For Position In Glen Rock: Meet Kelly Hughes

The new head of Glen Rock’s Richard E. Byrd Elementary School will bring over 15 years of expertise, a student-first mindset, and a lot of heart.

Hughes, Kelly

At the Glen Rock Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 23, Kelly Hughes, who had been the principal of Brookside Elementary in Westwood for the previous three years, was formally appointed to her new position.

We wish her luck in this next phase and are appreciative of her leadership and commitment to the Westwood Regional School District, particularly during her tenure at Brookside Elementary. said Jay Garcia, president of the Board of Education.

Hughes described her new role as a chance to support a district that has a long history of excellence, teamwork, and a strong dedication to student achievement.

According to Glen Rock officials, Hughes is an experienced teacher who started out instructing second and third graders. She has worked as an instructional specialist in reading and as the curriculum coordinator for Westwood’s elementary school over the years.

According to Hughes, Glen Rock is a place where leaders, staff, and families collaborate with a common goal to assist the intellectual, social, and emotional development of the whole child.

She went on to say that she is particularly inspired by the chance to become a part of the Byrd School community and contribute to the robust, supportive school culture that already exists.

Getting to know each student, building relationships with staff and families, and promoting instruction and classroom development are among Hughes’ top responsibilities.

She is eager to get involved in the Glen Rock community as well.

“From everything I ve seen and heard, Byrd is a place where students are encouraged to take risks, celebrate their individuality, and grow both academically and emotionally, and that s exactly the kind of environment I believe in,” she stated.

Early on, such belief was sparked. Hughes attributes her passion for learning to Mrs. Poiani, her third-grade teacher.

Hughes claimed that although she held me to high standards, she also made me feel seen, cherished, and cared for. She demonstrated to me how a teacher may influence a child’s self-esteem and destiny.

Hughes says her objective as a school administrator is to make sure all students get the same experience.