Assistant Principal's Page

Dear MTES Community,

I am honored and excited to join Mendham Township Elementary School as Assistant Principal. My name is Alyssa Ridente, and I have dedicated the past 16 years to education. I earned my bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Psychology from Wagner College in 2010. My passion for learning inspired me to continue my education by earning my Early Childhood Certification and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey in 2019.

Throughout my career, I have embraced a variety of roles, driven by my commitment to supporting students, educators, and school communities and by my love of learning. I began as both a special education and general education teacher, working with students from preschool through third grade.  My experience teaching students with a wide range of learning needs deepened my understanding of the importance of differentiated instruction and reinforced my belief that every student deserves meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

In 2022, I joined the Instructional Support Team, where I supported student literacy growth through the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS). I then served as a District Literacy Coach, partnering with teachers to strengthen literacy instruction and student achievement. By collaborating with educators to analyze student data, identify instructional priorities, and monitor progress, I helped implement targeted, evidence-based practices that supported all learners' success. 

In 2024, I joined the administrative team as Acting Assistant Principal at Cambridge Elementary School in South Brunswick. Most recently, I served as Assistant Principal for South Brunswick's Preschool Program during the 2025–2026 school year. As an Assistant Principal, I have enjoyed supporting high-quality instruction, coaching educators, and using data to help ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

I am excited to bring my passion for learning and educational leadership to the MTES community while continuing to grow alongside its exceptional students, staff, and families. I value open, transparent communication and believe that strong partnerships are the foundation of a thriving school community. Building on MTES's long-standing commitment to both academic excellence and students' social-emotional well-being, I look forward to fostering a collaborative environment where families feel connected, staff feel supported, and every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

I look forward to getting to know each of you and to the partnerships we will build together. It is a privilege to join the MTES community, and I am excited for the year ahead!

Sincerely,

Mendham Township Elementary School
Every Student, Every Day!