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Greetings from Our Principals
Principal - Kate Mele
| Greetings, Rush School Community Members! I am thrilled to serve as the new Principal of Eleanor Rush Intermediate School. Prior to this appointment, I served as the Assistant Principal at Eleanor Rush Intermediate School and Assistant Principal of Student Achievement at Haddonfield Memorial High School. I received my B.A. in International Studies with an Education minor from Drexel University in 2008, followed by an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009. After teaching German to students from the elementary level through college in Vineland, Blackwood and Haddonfield, I returned to Drexel and completed my principal certification in 2016. As is the case for many educators, I consider myself a lifelong learner and appreciate new opportunities for professional growth and reflection. My passion for working with children and instilling a love of learning stems from my family of teachers, administrators and coaches. The late Dr. Rita Pierson said, “Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be." My focus this year will be to form meaningful connections with the students at Rush by providing a listening ear, and supporting their academic, emotional and social needs. When I am not at school, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places with my husband, Eric and our daughters, Quinn and June. We try to bring our dog, Piper along for the ride whenever we can! Please feel free to reach out to me with questions or concerns. My door is always open, and I know that we can work together to continue providing our students with the best education possible. Respectfully, Kate Mele |
Assistant Principal - Jeannie Abt
Hello Rush School students and families! My name is Mrs. Jeannie Abt, and I am proud to serve as the Assistant Principal of Eleanor Rush Intermediate School. I earned my B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from St. John’s University in 1998, followed by an M.S. as a Reading Specialist in 2000. In 2009, I completed a second master’s degree in School Leadership, also at St. John’s University.
I began my career as a special education teacher in the New York City Public Schools before joining Cinnaminson Township Public Schools in 2000. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving in many roles—including elementary and special education teacher, reading specialist, K–5 literacy supervisor, and assistant principal at both New Albany and Rush Intermediate Schools.
Outside of school, I love reading, spending time at the beach, and traveling with my family. My greatest joy is being with my husband, our two sons, and our dog, Jax. I believe in the power of strong school–home connections, and I look forward to working together to make this school year a positive and successful experience for all of our students.