Welcome Message from Al-Ghazaly’s Principal
Br. Omar Muhammad
السلام عليكم
Dear Al Ghazaly Jr/ Sr High School Staff, Students, Families, and Alumni.
Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!
It is an honor and a privilege for me to write this letter of introduction as the proud Principal of Al Ghazaly Jr/Sr High School. I look forward to getting to know everyone in the weeks and months ahead! I am extremely honored and humbled to embark on this professional and spiritual journey as we begin the work to ensure our scholars experience a rigorous education rooted in our Islamic faith that will foster their development and empower them to reach their full potential.
I have always thought of the field of education as a calling to commit yourself to not only teach but nurture students to become valuable contributors to their families and communities. I come to Al Ghazaly Junior/ Senior High School with over 29 years of experience in the public schools, that includes eleven years of teaching and over eighteen years as an administrator at the high school level. I have served in a variety of educational leadership roles, including Department Chairperson and Vice Principal that supervised Academic Programs - Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Climate & Culture - School Support Teams; and School Operations.
As your principal, it is essential for me to provide an environment for our scholars that will allow them to grow spiritually, while teaching them to be kind, productive members of society. I am looking forward to working collaboratively with you in the upcoming school year as we begin the work of moving forward, making a commitment to connect our campus and community, and Modeling the Way for our students.”
Sincerely Yours
Br. Omar Muhammad
ABOUT Br. Omar
The IEF Board of Governors and Al-Ghazaly family are thrilled to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Br. Omar Muhammad as the new principal of Al-Ghazaly High School. After an extensive and rigorous national search, Br. Omar stood out as a leader who embodies our values, vision, and mission of cultivating the next generation of Muslim leaders. With a proven track record in education and a deep commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment, Br. Omar is the perfect fit to lead our school into its next chapter.
Br. Omar comes to Al Ghazaly High School with over 29 years of experience in public high schools. Br. Omar received his undergraduate degree from the University of Guyana before migrating to the United States of America. He first worked in the Newark Public Schools’ (NPS) system as a High School Mathematics teacher for 11 years then as an administrator for over 18 years. He has served in a variety of educational leadership roles including Department Chairperson & Vice Principal. He was the direct supervisor for all Academic Programs (Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment), Climate/Culture, School Support Teams, and School Operations.
During his time in NPS Br. Omar supervised and coached many teachers that went on to be teacher coaches and administrators. His use of data to drive instruction resulted in increased test scores year after year. Br. Omar implemented strategies that included SEL and restorative justice that significantly reduced disciplinary infractions resulting in improved students and staff morale.
Br. Omar is a relentless pursuer of excellence and strives to ensure that students are facilitated to realize their true potential in nurturing and caring atmosphere. He is of the belief that both staff must be treated with respect as professionals so that they can rise to challenge towards providing students with a rigorous and through education that is grounded in our Islamic faith.