The Mountaineer would  like to congratulate Mr. Getz on becoming the next Principal at Hamilton Elementary School! Mr. Getz has already had an eventful career as an educator and now he embarks on a new journey here at Stroudsburg.

The Mountaineer has conducted an interview with him on how he felt about leaving the school, going to a new one, his wrestling career and more.

Congratulations on becoming the new Principal at Hamilton elementary! Have you always wanted to be a Principal?

Getz: “That was kind of my goal once I got my admin certification. Beyond that, I got my superintendent certification as well. I’m looking forward to my future.”

What are you going to miss most about being in the Junior High School?

Getz: “I like the community here. I’m gonna miss the kids. Definitely the staff. We have a great staff here and I enjoy working with the students. Hopefully they learn the lessons I have taught them.”

What is your favorite decoration in your office?

Getz: “The pictures of my wife and kid, for sure.”

How long have you been in education? Were you always a Vice Principal?

Getz: “No. No matter what, you have to be a teacher first. You have to have a minimum of 5 years. I taught for 13 years. I’ve been in education about 20 years, total. I have a masters in elementary education. I originally started at Pleasant Valley; making the jump to Stroudsburg has been the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Do you prefer polos or button ups for work?

Getz: “Polos. If you see me I am always in a polo.”

What are some of the differences between being a Vice Principal and a Principal?

Getz: “Here (Vice Principals) deal with a lot of discipline, while the Principal deals with curriculum, data, planning. Hamilton will be unique in that I don’t have an Assistant Principal, so I will have to do both.”

The SBURG positive behavior assemblies seem to have been a big hit this year, are you going to do something similar at Hamilton?

Getz: “In fact, it’s the first thing I am going to work on at Hamilton. It’s one of my first goals to implement there.”

Will they have Mountie money at Hamilton now?

Getz: “They won’t have Mountie money, they use class dojo and we’ll continue to do that. Next year here at the junior high we’ll be looking into using that as well.”

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Getz: “Dog. I have two dogs, a pit and a dachshund.”

What are you most looking forward to as a new principal?

Getz: “Building relationships. Doing what’s best for kids. Any time I make a decision, it’s what is best for students and what’s best for them in the future.”

Was becoming a Principal your dream job growing up?

Getz: “My dream job was always to be in education and coach. For my whole life I was always in a leadership role. I was a D1 wrestler, captain; I’ve always liked being in a leadership role.

Of our School colors, do you prefer maroon, black or white?

Getz: “Black. One of my favorite colors. It’s slimming. (laughs)”

Can you provide a recap of your wrestling career? 

Getz: “I was a 4 year Division 1 starter at a Nationally ranked team for Bloomsburg University.
World Team Member 1994 – 1998 – placing 5th – wrestled and trained in Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, and Moldova.”

You’re a consultant for ESU’s wrestling team, right? 

Getz: “I also recruit for ESU. I am the president of the official chapters as well.”