MSD Warren Township is proud to welcome Dr. Mark Simon as the new principal of Stonybrook Intermediate Middle School: a seasoned educator, purpose-driven leader, and passionate advocate for student success. At the heart of it all, Dr. Simon brings a belief in the transformative power of joy, growth, and community.
"I’m grounded in the conviction that every student... and every educator... deserves to be seen, believed in, and led by someone who holds them to high expectations because they know greatness is already within them."
Dr. Simon’s journey into education didn’t follow a traditional path—but it was shaped by personal experience and driven by purpose. He shares his journey as a student who once struggled to navigate the school system, and his return to the classroom years later with a commitment to becoming the kind of educator he once needed. That calling led him to become a certified Reading and ELA teacher, eventually stepping into roles such as MTSS and SEL coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal.
Over the last 16 years, Dr. Simon’s leadership has been guided by one powerful principle: growth is always possible—for students, for staff, and for schools.
“Whether I’m supporting a student who feels unseen, coaching a teacher through a new strategy, or redesigning a system to be more just and responsive, I lead with the belief that we all have the capacity to grow, and that our collective success depends on it.”
When asked what drew him specifically to Warren Township, Dr. Simon shares,
“Warren is a district where joy, growth, and belonging are not buzzwords but lived values. That’s the kind of community I want to lead and grow with."
As he steps into his role at Stonybrook, Dr. Simon is excited to build upon the school’s strong foundation and proud legacy. He’s already inspired by the heart and brilliance of the Stonybrook community and is eager to help shape its next chapter.
“The Stonybrook community has already shown me that it is a place with heart, passion, a proud legacy, and brilliance. My goal is to help cultivate a culture where joy is felt in every hallway, where genius and creativity are fostered and expected, and where every student and educator knows they belong and are capable of excellence... and they are celebrated for it. I'm eager to join in writing this next chapter of growth and possibility at Stonybrook.”
Goals and Future Initiatives
At the heart of Dr. Simon's leadership is a deep commitment to cultivating a school environment where every student and educator feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow. Because of that commitment, his primary goals are rooted in three key objectives:
1. Reclaiming Joy in Teaching and Learning
Joy is not an add-on; it’s essential to meaningful learning and effective teaching. As Dr. Gholdy Muhammad reminds us in Unearthing Joy, joyful learning is liberatory; it creates space for students to feel safe, free, and fully themselves. I want to build an environment where both students and staff can experience the kind of joy that restores energy, honors identity, and fuels growth.
2. Fostering a Culture of High Expectations
I believe every student can thrive when they are held to high expectations within a community that truly believes in them. That means ensuring our systems, language, and instructional practices consistently reflect the belief that all students are capable of excellence. It also means ensuring every student, regardless of background, feels that they belong and that their culture and identity are affirmed in every space.
3. Leading with Purpose
This includes supporting teachers through meaningful coaching and development, aligning our work to culturally responsive practices, and consistently asking, “Who is this serving, and who is it leaving out?” Our goal is to build a school culture where we grow together, not only academically, but also professionally and personally, because that’s what moves schools forward, and that's what a successful school community looks like.
Dr. Simon's vision is to ensure that what we teach is both academically rigorous and emotionally resonant. Through culturally responsive instruction, joyful schoolwide experiences, and opportunities for student voice and leadership, we will create a school culture where every child knows: You matter here. You belong here. And you WILL succeed here.
With his clear vision, unwavering commitment, and deep-rooted passion for people, Dr. Mark Simon is ready to lead Stonybrook into a future filled with promise, purpose, and possibility. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Simon to the Warren family and continue to see the JOY and brilliance at Stonybrook Intermediate Middle School.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Simon to Warren Township!