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Maria Merlo
Principal
Mrs. Merlo has been a Newark Public School's District Employee for 45 years; this is her eighteenth year as the Principal of Lafayette St. School. Prior to becoming principal, Mrs. Merlo had many leadership experiences including Vice-Principal, Reading Recovery, Teacher, ESL Teacher, Bilingual Teacher, and General Education Teacher. Even with the extensive experiences, Mrs. Maria Merlo considers herself to be a teacher at heart. It is Mrs. Merlo's privilege to lead Lafayette St. School and the many talented teachers and students. Her goal is to continue to provide a supportive climate and culture at Lafayette that is conductive to teaching and learning.
Rose Stokes
Vice Principal
Ms. Rose Ortiz – Stokes began her career in the Newark Public School District over 15 years ago as a School Social Worker, while also providing private and in-home therapy for at-risk children throughout Essex, Passaic and Union County. Mrs. Ortiz – Stokes worked at Lafayette Street School as the School Social Worker for seven years and ultimately earned a second Master’s Degree in Education, which provided an opportunity for her to work as part of the administrative team at the school. She is currently a Vice Principal at Lafayette Street School and has been in the position for the past three years. She was awarded the Outstanding Administrator Award for the 20-21 School Year is currently completing her dissertation for the Doctoral Program in Education at Kean University. Ms. Ortiz - Stokes looks forward to continue to serve the children and families of Newark, New Jersey.
Nicole Morgan Lewis
Vice Principal
Nicole Morgan-Lewis has been an educator for over 18 years. She served as a middle school math and science teacher and a facilitator for Girls Who Code. Ms. Morgan-Lewis had the distinct honor of being the 2020-2021 Newark Board of Education Teacher of the Year at George Washington Carver Elementary School. She is currently serving as Vice-Principal at Lafayette Street School.
Dr. Shannon Crowell Edghill
Vice Principal
Shannon Crowell-Edghill is a native of Paterson, and is a product of the Paterson Public School system. Shannon knew at an early age that she had a passion for education and community service. With over 20 years of experience in education, she began her educational career as an elementary teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, and two Master degrees; the first in Education and the other in Administration/Supervision, a PhD in General Psychology with a focus in Cognitive Instruction, a Certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and is presently attending Harvard School of Education working on a Certificate in School Management and Leadership. Prior to being a vice principal at Lafayette Street School, she worked in East Orange, Paterson, Newark and Irvington school districts, where she held various positions.