#61 - Gisela Ciancia (New Jersey) - Wash and Learn - Creating a Cultural Hub

Gisela Ciancia is New Jersey's 2025-2026 Visionary Elementary School Leader of the Year. She is the proud principal of Roosevelt Elementary school in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  Ciancia is highly regarded for her culture-building and hands-on approach to education. Some of her most notable achievements and initiatives include:  Visionary Leadership: She earned the prestigious NJPSA Visionary award for her dedication to supporting faculty, engaging parents, and connecting with the local community. Wash and Learn: She pioneered highly creative community programs like "Wash and Learn," which brings reading and enrichment opportunities directly to students and families in local laundromats after school. Rock the Block: She also extends school influence and family engagement through community-wide events like "Rock the Block".  Gisela' s advice to school leaders:  1. Listen to community voices. 2. Meet Families where they are.  If you want to learn from a dynamic school leader who brings learning and partnerships with her community, this is the episode for you. Her journey and efforts are making a difference in her school community.    NJPSA Gisela Ciancia Visionary Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn1IbGkpli0   Contact Gisela for more information or to donate books to the Roosevelt Elementary Wash and Learn.  Instagram @PrincipalCiancia @nbpschools