New Mill Pond Principal Envisions a Collaborative and Innovative School

Dr. Peter Kopack believes in a collaborative and innovative environment.

From technology and professional development to character education and classroom instruction, Kopack plans to utilize all he learned as vice principal of Asher Holmes Elementary School in Marlboro as the

“I want to find ways to empower students to grow emotionally, socially and academically,” he said, adding that students should strive to be creative, innovative and collaborative.

Kopack graduated from Howell Township High School. He then attended The College of New Jersey where he received his bachelor's of arts degree in art education. He used the interdisciplinary approach he was taught at TCNJ as an art teacher in Middletown, infusing creativity into other subjects, he said.

Kopack then moved on to teaching second and fifth grades in Middletown prior to becoming the vice principal of Asher Holmes, which is a kindergarten through sixth grade school. He earned a master's in science education from Monmouth University and a doctorate of education from Nova Southeastern University.

“I gained experience in working with students,” Kopack said, adding that he wanted to reach students further than the classroom. “I was always put into positions of leadership. I enjoy working with people and figuring out what to do to benefit the students.”

Kopack was selected from more than 90 applicants, Superintendent Dr. Sandra Brower said in a letter to the community.

“Dr. Kopack separated himself from the group through each stage of the process when he outlined his accomplishments and shared his vision for the Mill Pond School,” she said. “His experiences have the depth and breath we were looking for- particularly in the areas of technology, character education and improving instruction in the classroom.”

The Lacey Township School District is dynamic, Kopack said, and so far, everyone has been supportive.

“The focus on student achievement got me excited about coming to Lacey,” he said.

Kopack was a Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program recipient for his collaborative approach to education, he said. He was crucial in getting the district involved in Veterans Day events, family sports nights and more at Marlboro.

He also instituted a character education program for cyber bullying. “Authentic peer mediation,” he said. Fifth-grade students would act out situations and model conflict resolutions that were videotaped and shown to the younger grades. Scholastic News recognized the program in 2008.

Technology integrated in a student-centered environment is another one of Kopack’s ambitions, he said.

Kopack kick started BYOB (Bring Your Own Device) in the Marlboro School District, utilizing a collaborative approach since there was about one device per every three students.

In one example, students researched a colony and did a persuasive writing piece to convince people to visit their colony. The work was shared online and devices were used to critique the projects.

Kopack also did presentations on the Charlotte Danielson Model for evaluation teachers — evolution of effective evaluation — for the state Department of Education and Monmouth County.

In this model, administrators and teachers know their expectations and develop a variety of approaches for a more student-centered classroom, he said.

“It’s a more interactive experience for the teachers and students,” Kopack said. “It leads to more ways to develop better professional development opportunities.”

He also had a hand in Professional Learning Committees, which teachers utilized to articulate goals, he said. Teachers’ lessons were sometimes videotaped and made available online for other teachers to view.

On the job since Friday, June 15, Kopack plans to implement some of those ideas at Mill Pond but first his goal is to “build relationships and teams and listen and learn as much as possible,” he said.

Kopack plans to get to know the faculty, staff, students, parents and the community, he said.

“I understand the importance of gaining input,” he said. “It’s a very unique opportunity. I’m really glad to be joining the Mill Pond team.”

Kopack also wants to reduce the anxiety that could be a product of entering a new school or leaving a school. He’s hoping for a smooth transition, he said.

“We want students to internalize learning, problem solving, engage in discovery, work collaboratively, and share and think about the curriculum and study,” he said.

The executive board of the Parent Teacher Association at Mill Pond will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, and the full PTA will meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13. 

Kopack will also be holding meet and greets on Friday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. for the fifth grade parents at 7 p.m. for sixth grade.

Kopack is looking forward to the buses arrival on Thursday, September 6.

“It’s exciting. For the fifth graders, it’ll be their first time coming to Mill Pond and my first time to greet them,” he said. “I want the students to feel good about coming to school. I want them to feel safe and secure but also want to take risks.”