Principal Carbone made morning announcements, gave out awards, and read to Kindergarteners
Published May 3, 2025
Original article by Faith Ballantine-Armonaitis of TAPinto. Found HERE.
WOOD-RIDGE, NJ - This year, second-grader Robert Carbone stepped into the shoes of Catherine E. Doyle Principal Lara Schmitt's shoes for the day.
Robert, or as the students and staff warmly called him, Principal Carbone, had an absolute blast running the show, explained Schmitt. From the moment he began, he was fully engaged, handling everything from announcements over the PA system and using the walkie-talkie, to delivering birthday certificates, calling students down for positive office referrals, and awarding Students of the Month and the Blue Devil of the Month staff honoree.
He served as a Mystery Reader in his brother's kindergarten class, keeping the students captivated by reading with expression, using different voices, and asking thoughtful questions because, he said, “little kids like that.” Although he might’ve been a little biased when calling on his brother, William, to read a page, but “it was too cute,” Schmitt observed. He even visited the police car with the School Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) Onnembo, an experience he was very excited about. To top it off, he awarded the whole school with a surprise Pajama Day on Friday.
One of the standout moments of the day was when Robert told Schmitt it was his “best day ever,” which “truly made my day as well,” she said.
“It was a wonderful reminder of why these opportunities matter,” Schmitt continued. “They give students the chance to create lasting memories and develop leadership skills. Robert definitely has what it takes to be a principal one day, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in charge of a school someday!”
Principal for a Day is a fundraiser to coincide with Principal Appreciation Day on May 1.