Hartshorn Prinicpal Ron Castaldo will retire at the end of this school year.

According to a letter he sent to parents today, Castaldo, who has been a principal at Hartshorn for 16 years and has worked in public education in New Jersey for 43 years, he will begin his retirement July 1.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Hartshorn Community and the Millburn Township Public Schools throughout the years,” he said in the letter. “I retire knowing that I have been blessed to work with outstanding educators, supportive parents and wonderful children. “

In the letter, he thanked parent volunteers “who have given so much of their time, energy, support and love to make Hartshorn School a truly exceptional learning environment.”

One of the most recent accomplishments he will take with him was the MLK Day service project he and volunteers helped the kids with. They collected items for Operation Shoebox to send care packages to troops in Afghanistan and to top of the day, they gathered in the cafeteria and spoke to Castaldo’s niece and her fellow soldiers via Skype from Afghanistan.

He also has years of other special events and service projects to look back on.
“I carry with me cherished memories of Strawberry Festivals, the Hartshorn Habitat, the generosity of Community Outreach, concerts, art shows, reading and writing celebrations, and so much more that has made Hartshorn a very special place to work,” he said. “Most of all, however, I cherish the joy of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the love for our school. Thank you for making the past 16 years the highlight of my career. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve as your principal.”