Principal's Page

	Principal	Email	Phone
	Mr. James  Rasmussen	rasmussenj@middletownk12.org	(732) 291-1330 ext. 4500

Dear Leonardo Grade School Community,

It is truly an honor to introduce myself as the Principal of Leonardo Grade School. While I am new to this role, Leonardo is anything but new to me. This community has been a meaningful part of my life for many years, and I feel incredibly fortunate to now have the opportunity to serve the school that has meant so much to my family.

I have spent many years in education, beginning my career as a teacher and later serving in school administration. Throughout my career, I have always believed that the most important part of education is the relationships we build—with our students, families, teachers, and community. Every position I have held has reinforced for me how special it is to be part of a school community that works together to help children learn, grow, and become the best versions of themselves.

My connection to Leonardo Grade School is especially personal. Both my son and my daughter attended Leonardo, and I have experienced this school not only as an educator, but also as a parent. I know firsthand the excitement of sending your children through these doors, the pride you feel watching them grow, and the trust you place in the teachers and staff who care for them each day. Having my own children attend Leonardo has given me an even deeper appreciation for the people who make this school such a special place.

I am incredibly proud to live in the Leonardo community and equally proud to work here. There is something special about a community where people know one another, support one another, and genuinely care about the success of its children. I have seen that spirit firsthand, and I am excited to continue building upon it.

As I begin this new chapter as your principal, my goal is simple: to make Leonardo Grade School a place where every child feels known, valued, supported, and excited to come to school each day. I want our students to be proud to be Bears, our staff to feel supported and appreciated, and our families to know that they have a partner in their children's education.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Leonardo Grade School community in this new role. It is a privilege to lead a school that I have already loved for so many years as a parent and member of this community.

I am excited for all that we will accomplish together.

From the Bear's Den,

Jim Rasmussen
Principal

Leonardo Elementary School is committed to creating a culture of excellence in which our students, faculty, and staff are challenged to continuously improve. High academic and social standards promote lifelong learning and the skills, knowledge, and dispositions critical to success in post secondary settings. We are dedicated to respond to the needs of our students who, as primary stakeholders, face the growing demand to think critically, to problem solve cooperatively, and to communicate effectively in a technologically rich and diverse global community.