With handwritten notes from students on his desk and high fives in the hallways, Alden Place Elementary School’s new principal Andrew Cedermark said that his first days in the district have been nothing short of heartwarming.

“I’m completely overwhelmed by the warm reception,” he said. “These first few weeks have been all about building positive connections, and the families, staff, administrators, Board and especially the students have made that process easy and exciting.”

A former journalist turned educator, Cedermark was appointed in April and is spending the remainder of the school year working on a transition that he calls “a rare chance to build strong relationships with the experienced, compassionate staff here.”

Originally from northern New Jersey, Cedermark grew up in public schools where he developed a love for reading, writing and storytelling that led him to pursue a degree from the University of Virginia followed by a one-year career in journalism. 

“During that time, I found myself getting excited about the concept of sharing the reading and writing life with young people,” he said. “Like many who enter teaching, I found working with kids so complex and beautiful that it became my central passion.”

After returning to school to pursue an adolescent education certification at Hunter College, he began his teaching career at a New York City public school that focused on career and technical education. There Cedermark saw firsthand how some students struggled to access the texts that he loved – a realization that sparked his interest in educational leadership. He later became Dean of Students at Middletown high school, where he focused on fostering positive relationships between students, families and staff.

“I’ve used my experience to develop a pretty holistic view of what happens when schools are really working well,” he said. “I’m excited to bring all of these experiences to as warm, loving and welcoming a community as Alden Place.”

His first goal in this new role? To listen.

“I’m starting with relationships,” Cedermark said. “This year is about learning where the school thrives and earning the trust needed to support its continued growth.”

Cedermark describes the ideal elementary school as one where students are smiling, teachers feel inspired and families are part of the learning journey.

“It’s a place where students arrive smiling and leave with even bigger smiles,” he said. “I want to honor the warm welcome I’ve received by doing right by the community and guiding this beautiful school through its next chapter.

“I couldn’t be more honored and more excited to be here.”