Dear Euclid Families,
It is with great pride and sincere joy that I serve as Principal of Euclid School. At Euclid, we are committed to developing readers, writers, and analytical thinkers—preparing our students for whatever lies ahead. There is nothing quite like the excitement of welcoming our newest Kindergarten students through our doors for the first time, or the bittersweet moment of clapping out our 5th Graders on their final day. The precious years in between go by quickly, and our dedicated faculty ensures that each day is filled with both challenge and support.
Our curriculum is fully aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). In English Language Arts, we follow a Structured Literacy approach grounded in the Science of Reading. This emphasizes explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Our mathematics instruction is built around the SAVVAS enVision program, while science and social studies focus on inquiry-based learning, hands-on discovery, and meaningful engagement with the natural world, history, and culture. Students also participate in Art, Media, Music, World Language, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education—all within a safe, nurturing environment where well-being and school security remain top priorities.
As for my background: after graduating from Rowan University, I was fortunate to begin my career in 1999 as a 5th Grade Teacher here at Euclid. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I reenlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was deployed in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon my return in 2005, I resumed teaching Mathematics at Hasbrouck Heights Middle School and High School, and was honored to be named Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2008.
I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from New Jersey City University and was once again deployed in 2011 as part of the Black Sea Rotational Force. After my deactivation as a Staff Non-Commissioned Officer, I returned to Euclid—this time as a 3rd Grade Teacher—before being appointed Principal on July 1, 2012.
My wife Jeanine and I are proud to raise our two sons, Daniel and Christopher, here in Hasbrouck Heights, where we remain active members of the community.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me—or to any member of the Euclid School faculty or staff—with questions or concerns. We firmly believe in educating the whole child, and that belief is deeply rooted in the strong partnership between family, school, and community.
Respectfully,
Michael A. Sickels
Principal, Euclid School