Celebrating National Principals Month - Dacia Sewell, Principal of Forest Oak Middle School
October is National Principals Month. During this month we recognize the dedicated leaders who guide our schools and support students, staff and families every day. To celebrate, we did a Q&A with a few principals around the county to learn more about what inspires them and the impact their role can play in the community. Each principal answered the same set of questions, giving us a glimpse into their leadership, their passions and even a few fun facts along the way.
How long have you been with MCPS?
I’ve been with Montgomery County Public Schools for over 21 years.
How long have you been the principal at Forest Oak MS?
This is the start of my third year as the proud principal of Forest Oak Middle School.
What inspires you each day?
I’m inspired by the laughter of our students and the commitment of our staff. Seeing our students grow academically, socially and emotionally reminds me why this work matters. I’m also motivated by the dedication of our staff and the support of our community to make Forest Oak MS a place where everyone can Grow, Belong and Matter.
What advice would you give to a first-year principal?
Build strong relationships from day one. Listen more than you speak, lean on your team and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And remember that every decision should center around what’s best for kids.
What’s your top win/biggest accomplishment from this past year?
One of our biggest wins in the 2024–2025 school year was dramatically reducing suspensions, from 7.9% in 2023 to just 1.7% in 2025. That’s not just a number, it’s a reflection of our increased use of restorative approaches, stronger relationships and a school culture that prioritizes growth over punishment. We also celebrated more students exiting the English Language Development Program, from 5 in 2024 to 26 in 2025, and saw encouraging growth across all content areas in our MCAP data. It was a full-team effort that showed what’s possible when we stay focused on making Forest Oak MS a place where everyone can Grow, Belong and Matter.
What job did you want to have when you were a kid?
Believe it or not, I wanted to be a nun, just so I could teach! (Yes, really!) The nuns I knew were like educational superheroes: no nonsense, super organized and somehow ran entire schools without breaking a sweat. I thought, “If I want to teach and run things like a boss, clearly I need a habit and a chalkboard.” Thankfully, I found a path that didn’t require vows, but still lets me live out that dream of leading and teaching every day.
What’s an interesting/fun fact that not everyone knows about you?
A fun fact about me is that I’m a proud binge-watcher and binge-reader. If there’s a good series or a gripping book, I’m all in, no spoilers, please! I love weaving movie and book references into conversations with staff and students. If you hear me drop a quote from Hamilton, Harry Potter, The Godfather, Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings, during a meeting, just know it’s always relevant to the moment!
What impact do you think principals have on the greater community?
Principals are the bridge between schools and the communities they serve. We are uniquely positioned to connect students, families, staff and local partners in ways that foster collaboration and shared purpose. At Forest Oak Middle School, we take that responsibility seriously. Our commitment to helping everyone Grow, Belong and Matter doesn’t stop at the school doors, it extends into community spaces.
We work to make our school a welcoming place where families can access resources, students feel empowered and partnerships thrive. Whether it’s through community events, restorative practices or academic supports, we aim to create connections that strengthen the entire community.
