Principal's Message

Colonial Students, Parents, and Guardians,

I am humbled to be able to introduce myself as the principal of New Oxford Middle School.  I am committed to each of you that I share your passion for your students’ well-being and education.

My journey to NOMS has been shaped by my years of experience as an educator, but I am first and foremost a husband and a father.  My oldest son, Eli, is a sixth grader who is passionate about football and playing the trumpet.  Isaiah, my youngest son, enjoys Taekwondo and is a third grade student.  My wife, Nicole, and I love attending school functions with the boys.  I’m looking forward to seeing the Conewago Valley community at various musical, athletic, artistic, and community-based events!

This year is my 16th year in education.  As a teacher, I was privileged to experience a diverse career path that includes time as an elementary teacher, a middle school special educator, and a middle school math teacher.  I spent three and a half years as an assistant principal at Elizabethtown Area Middle School, where I focused on building relationships with students, increasing communication with families, and working with staff to implement effective teaching strategies.  My belief about school is simple: 1. Every child is able to learn and can experience success at school.  2.  School should be a place where students want to attend, parents want to send their children, and teachers want to work.

To the NOMS students: You are the face of the school and I am proud to work with all of you.  Names are very important to me and I will do my best to learn your name.  It may take me some time, but please introduce yourself to me.  Together, with your parents and teachers, we will make this an amazing school year.

In closing, please know that my door is always open to you all.  I believe that we all have the same goal: your student’s success.  To do that effectively, we need to work together and keep focused on the important work that is happening every day.  I always welcome positive input and conversation throughout the year.  

 

Mr. Joshua Schaffer

Principal