New Director of School Counseling Services

We have a new Director of School Counseling Services! You all know Mr. Sussman as the previous Middle School Counselor, but starting with the 2023/24 school year his role has changed. Please see the letter from Mr. Sussman below:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I am delighted to write to you today as the new Director of School Counseling Services for the Waldwick School District. It is with great joy and excitement that I embark on this new role, continuing my journey within the district that has become a second home to me over the past fifteen years.

For those of you who may not know me yet, my name is Joshua Sussman, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Middle School Counselor in our district for the past fifteen years. During my time in this position, I have witnessed the growth and development of countless students, and it has been an incredible honor to be a part of their journeys. I am truly grateful for the trust and support that you, as parents, have placed in me throughout the years.

In addition to my role as a school counselor, I have also had the opportunity to expand my horizons in the field of education. For the past decade, I have been an Adjunct Graduate Professor at Long Island University, sharing my expertise and knowledge with aspiring counselors. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of counseling practices but has also allowed me to stay current with the latest research and advancements in our field.

I am thrilled to continue my service to this district in a new capacity as the Director of School Counseling Services. In this role, I will have the privilege of working closely with all of our incredible counselors, collaborating with them to provide the best possible support and guidance for our students. Together, we will ensure that each child receives the attention and care they deserve to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

I am particularly excited to share with you some new initiatives that we will be implementing in the coming months. Firstly, we will be introducing a dual enrollment program that will allow our high school students to enroll in college courses while still in high school. This program aims to broaden their academic horizons and provide them with a head start in their college education.

Secondly, we recognize the importance of effective communication between the school and parents. To that end, we have established new social media accounts to better connect with you and keep you informed about upcoming events, important announcements, and resources related to counseling and student well-being. We believe that this platform will enhance our ability to engage with you and provide timely and relevant information.

Lastly, we understand that finding time to meet with counselors can sometimes be challenging due to busy schedules. Therefore, we are introducing a new initiative called "Virtual Coffee with the Counselors." This virtual platform will offer convenient opportunities for you, as parents, to connect with our counselors and engage in open discussions about various topics related to your child's academic and personal growth. We hope that this initiative will foster stronger relationships and promote a collaborative partnership between parents and our counseling team.

As we move forward together, I want to assure you that your child's well-being and success will remain at the forefront of everything we do. The counseling team and I are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters academic achievement and personal development for all students. Your partnership is invaluable to us, and we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the students and families of our district in this new capacity. Together, we will nurture a culture of resilience, growth, and well-being, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to working closely with you as we embark on this exciting journey together.


Joshua Sussman
Director of School Counseling Services