From the Principal’s Desk: Why They Love What They Do

Posted On October 30, 2025

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October is National Principals Month! This month, we recognize the dedicated leaders who guide our schools and support students, staff and families every day. We asked MCPS principals to share their favorite thing about being a principal—here’s what they had to say.

Kristin Alban, Principal of Monocacy ES: A favorite thing about being an elementary principal is watching students grow—academically, emotionally and socially—right in front of you. It is a rewarding experience to see kindergarteners come in shy and unsure, then leave in 5th grade with confidence and a love of learning. As a principal it brings me great joy to work together with an amazing staff, parents and the community to create lasting memories and a passion for learning for all of our students.

Olivia Bailey, Principal of Maryvale ES: My favorite thing about being a principal is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students every day. I love visiting classrooms, seeing the joy of learning in action and supporting teachers as they create engaging and inclusive spaces for all students. It’s incredibly rewarding to help build a school community where every child feels seen, valued and excited to come to school.

Evan Bernstein, Principal of Little Bennett ES: My favorite thing about being a principal is building positive relationships with all students, staff and families along with collaboratively creating a positive school climate for everyone.

Patrick Bilock, Principal of Silver Spring International MS: My favorite thing about being a middle school principal is seeing students grow – academically, socially and emotionally- and knowing that our staff played a part in helping them believe in themselves. I love celebrating the small wins…and honestly, I love getting to be silly and laugh with students every day. Middle schoolers keep life interesting!

Jeffrey Brown, Principal of Roberto Clemente MS: My favorite thing about being a principal is the privilege of seeing and working with the children of Germantown every day. I love that I have had the chance to grow deep roots in the community and watch our students develop into confident and successful young adults.

Kiera Butler, Principal of Newport Mill MS: What is my favorite thing about being a principal? The answer is simple: Working with the students, our future. They are the reason we do what we do. Throughout the years, I've championed the belief that it's important to create a place where students can believe in their greatness and show up unapologetically as themselves, knowing that the sense of self they've built here will carry them confidently into the world.

Stephanie Dinga, Principal of Cabin Branch ES: As principal, you are a part of so many lives. We have the opportunity to work with children, adults and families and it is really a tight knit community. Having an impact on so many lives is the best reward each day.

Jonathan Garrick, Principal of Northwood HS: The greatest joy of being a principal is seeing positive impacts on entire communities. As school staff, we often see the successes of students. As a principal, you get to see success for everyone from students to families to staff to the engagement of entire neighborhoods. This success often becomes generational with multiple siblings and family friends sharing in success as years go by. The leading of an entire community is the absolute best!

Carla Glawe, Principal of Olney ES: My favorite thing about being a principal is building strong relationships with students, staff and families that create a true sense of community. I love supporting learners as they grow academically and personally, while also empowering teachers to thrive as leaders. I also love to see big smiles every morning as students enter our school and skip through the halls to get to their classrooms.

Sofia Grant-Dewitt, Principal of Gaithersburg MS: my favorite thing about being a principal is seeing students discover their potential in those everyday moments when curiosity and confidence meet. That’s when you truly see the magic of education.

Jon Green, Principal of John Poole MS: Being a middle school principal is a truly gratifying experience. Each day is different, and no two days are ever the same. I love knowing that I am a positive influence in a student’s most critical time of their life. I love seeing them grow and eventually watching them walk across the stage at graduation a few years later. By building positive relationships, I know that I am a trusted adult in each and every one of their lives. This is the most rewarding job in the world.

Cavena Griffith, Principal Harriet R. Tubman ES: I enjoy witnessing the growth and success of our students and staff. As the founding principal of Harriet R. Tubman Elementary, I have witnessed the growth of our community from the ground up and am so proud of our hard work and heart work!

Deneise Hammond, Principal of Waters Landing ES: My favorite thing about being a principal is the opportunity to empower myself, students, staff and families to be the best version of ourselves as we collaborate to ensure student academic and social success. I love being part of the Waters Landing Elementary School community, seeing the smiles on students' faces each day and working with staff and families who are dedicated to making sure that all students thrive. I definitely “sea” the possibilities as a WLES Dolphin!

Ricardo Hernandez, Principal of Seneca Valley HS: My favorite aspect of being a principal is the greater impact I have on the Germantown community, SVHS and the staff I serve.

Darshan Jain, Principal of Darnestown ES: My favorite thing about being a principal is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, staff and families. Every day I get to see students grow and gain confidence. Also, no two days are the same—there’s always a chance to celebrate successes, solve challenges and make a positive difference in someone’s school experience. Being the best basketball player during recess is also pretty cool!

Bernard James, Sr., Principal of Kemp Mill ES: The favorite thing about being a principal is that I lead with focus and intention, I am blessed to make a meaningful IMPACT on the lives and careers of members of Kemp Mill Elementary School daily.

Darryl Johnson, Principal of Rocky Hill MS: My favorite thing about being a principal is fostering a positive school culture where students, staff and families feel valued and connected. I love building strong relationships with students and witnessing their personal and academic growth over time. Every morning, I stand in the front of the building greeting students. Every handshake, hi five, hug and hello provide an opportunity to connect with them and help frame their day in a positive way. I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to serve, lead and inspire the next generation, positioning them to have choice filled, thriving futures.

Yong Kim, Principal of Herbert Hoover MS: As a principal dedicated to developing leaders, the most rewarding part of my work is building systems that are stronger than any individual. Through the instructional leadership team, I cultivate a group of leaders united by a shared vision focused on students. By empowering skilled practitioners, I help transform the school culture into one that is proactive, innovative and collaborative. True success comes from knowing that the school’s progress is not dependent on me, but sustained by the collective expertise and commitment of teacher-leaders who care deeply about students. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of mentoring assistant principals and principal interns who have gone on to lead schools of their own leaving a legacy that extends beyond a single school.

Irina LaGrange, Principal of Quince Orchard HS: What I love most about being a principal is spending my days surrounded by students—watching them learn, connect with each other, discover their strengths, take on new challenges, have fun and, most importantly, enjoy the journey!

Jae Lee, Principal of Rock Creek Valley ES: As a principal, I consider it a privilege and an honor to care for our students, staff and community. I take this responsibility seriously, striving to ensure that everyone feels safe, valued and supported—both mentally and physically. I am deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all members of our school community and truly believe that being a principal is the best job in the world!

Brittany Love-Campbell, Principal of Gaithersburg HS: What I love most about being a principal is shaping a culture where every student and educator is encouraged to grow, lead, and dream boldly. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our shared vision of equity, excellence, and belonging take root in the everyday experiences of our school community.

Ron Morris, Principal of Jones Lane ES: Being a principal is both challenging and deeply rewarding. What makes this role so special is that I have the awesome opportunity and responsibility to positively shape the school experiences of both students and staff. When I see clear evidence that students love coming to school and that staff truly enjoy coming to work each day, it warms my heart. Knowing that I played a part in creating those positive experiences is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of being a principal.

Travis Payne, Principal of Brooke Grove ES: My favorite thing about being a principal is being able to connect with students, teachers and families in so many unique ways. From teaching intervention groups, supporting extra-curricular clubs, leading Town Halls, running at Fun Runs, getting pied in the face for academic achievement and growth and supporting families through the good and the not-so-good. Constantly feeling and seeing your impact on students each day makes being a principal the BEST job in the world.

Rhoshanda Pyles, Principal of Rockville HS: The most rewarding aspect of being a principal is the daily opportunity to make a positive impact on our students' lives. It begins with greeting them each morning to set a welcoming and positive tone for their day. It extends to offering encouragement and motivation during their challenging moments. But the ultimate joy comes from witnessing them shine—whether it's in the classroom, on the athletic field, on stage or through the beauty of their art and music. Being in a position to foster their growth and celebrate their successes is why I believe this is the best job in the world for me.

Mindy Reeves, Principal of Rachel Carson ES: My favorite thing about being a principal is building relationships—with students, families and staff—and creating a school community where everyone feels they belong.

Douglas Robbins, Principal of Poolesville ES: My favorite part of being a principal is the relationships I’m able to build with students, staff and parents. I truly enjoy getting to know each person—not just who they are in school, but who they are as people—and I like sharing a bit of myself with them, too (even if they sometimes get tired of hearing about the Steelers, Phillies, Terps and Jimmy Buffett!). These connections make it possible for us to have both the easy conversations and the more challenging ones. At its core, education is a people business, and that’s something we should never lose sight of.

Heidi Slatcoff, Principal of Earle B. Wood MS: I love being a middle school principal because so much growth happens in our students over such a short period of time. Watching them mature physically, mentally and emotionally brings me tremendous joy and constantly reminds me how important this stage of their lives truly is.

Scott Smith, Principal of Northwest HS: My favorite thing about being a principal is having the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and staff while fostering a school environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential. Every day brings new challenges and victories, and being part of students’ growth is incredibly rewarding.

Sarah Starr, Principal of Longview School: My favorite thing about being a principal is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, staff and families. I am proud to lead a team dedicated to ensuring that all MCPS students can be as independent and have the best possible quality of life!

Paula Summers, Principal of Gaithersburg ES: One of my favorite parts of being a principal is supporting teachers and staff so they can do their best work with students. When teachers and staff feel supported, they feel successful, and as a result students thrive.

Dan Tucci, Principal of Garrett Park ES: My favorite thing of being an MCPS principal is seeing kids smile as they enter the school building each day. Children need a school where they feel safe, connected and welcome. When they enter the building with a smile and want a high five from me, I know we have created the type of environment where students can thrive!

Joshua Williams, Principal of Fields Road ES: My favorite thing about being Principal is being able to celebrate student success. Whether it's academically, behaviorally or anything else. Celebrating students makes school so much fun!

Loretta Woods, Principal of Burtonsville ES: My favorite thing about being an elementary school principal is watching children, who are each full of potential, grow academically, socially and emotionally; while knowing I play a role in leading and creating the environment that allows them to thrive. I love walking through classrooms and seeing students shine whether they are deeply engaged in learning, collaborating with peers or proudly sharing something they’ve accomplished. Those everyday moments, when a child masters a tough concept, shows kindness to a classmate, or stands a little taller because they feel valued, are what make this work so meaningful. Equally, I treasure building strong partnerships with staff and families. Supporting teachers so they feel equipped and inspired, and partnering with parents and guardians so they feel confident and connected, this ensures that the entire school community thrives together.

Hanna Yim, Principal of Highland View ES: Being a principal is the best job in the world! I get to learn right alongside our amazing students, who constantly inspire me with their curiosity and love of learning. I especially love helping them solve problems and watching them grow through the process. I am also so grateful to be able to work with such dedicated staff and supportive families—they make our Highland View community so special!

ICYMI: Check out the Principal Q&A to learn more about what inspires them and the impact their role can play in the community.