River Vale School District

393 Rivervale Road

River Vale, New Jersey  07675

www.rivervaleschools.com

 

 

 

CONTACT:  Margie Druss Fodor

(201) 358-9260

mfodor@rivervaleschools.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

RIVER VALE APPOINTS NEW HOLDRUM MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

 

River Vale, NJ, May 30, 2003 -- The River Vale Board of Education this week appointed Jaynellen Behre-Jenkins -- a Bloomfield (NJ) High School assistant principal and former River Vale teacher -- as the new principal at Holdrum Middle School. She officially joins the district Aug. 1.

            Behre-Jenkins will replace Dr. Phyllis Prestia, who is retiring Nov. 1 after 11 years with the district. Behre-Jenkins worked as a Holdrum social studies teacher from September 1996 through June 1999.

            “Holdrum is the perfect fit for me,” said Behre-Jenkins, a Bloomfield assistant principal for the last four years. “Throughout my career, my time at Holdrum has been one of my best memories. I was very happy when the position opened up.”

            In visiting Bloomfield High School, River Vale Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Alvarez said Behre-Jenkins was described as someone who is highly visible, a good disciplinarian, respectful of others’ inputs, open to change and creative in using resources.

            “Everyone felt that she contributed to the school in a very positive way and that she was respected by colleagues, students and parents,” Dr. Alvarez said. “Perhaps, the most telling comment came from a staff member who had been Ms. Behre-Jenkins’ teacher at one time. He told me: ‘Nobody wants her to leave, yet everyone will help her get this position.’ We are very happy to have her join us.”

            Behre-Jenkins has presented middle school education workshops on a state and national level. She has a master’s degree in school administration from Montclair State University and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, social studies, from East Stroudsburg University. During her time at Holdrum, she demonstrated high teaching standards, a deep understanding of middle school philosophy and a commitment to the broader needs of the school and community, Dr. Alvarez said.

            “She is an excellent choice knowing Holdrum, having a passion for middle school education and demonstrating professional leadership on middle school philosophy,” Dr. Alvarez said.

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