College Gardens Elementary School

College Gardens Community,

I am thrilled to introduce myself, Yvonne Sanya, as the new principal of College Gardens Elementary School, serving our amazing students in grades Prek to 5. Joining this esteemed close-knit community dedicated to the development and care of the whole child with the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy as the foundation fills me with gratitude and much excitement. 

Allow me to share a bit about my background and vision for our school. As a Montgomery County Public Schools' (MCPS) graduate, I am deeply committed to the values and standards of our schools. Over the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of serving in three IB) world schools in various roles within MCPS, including as a special education teacher, resource teacher, instructional specialist, principal intern, and assistant principal. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of our community's needs and a strong foundation to lead College Gardens. Each role has prepared me for this exciting new chapter, where I look forward to partnering with staff, parents and families, and the community, to ensure that every student receives the highest quality internationally-minded education in a nurturing, culturally responsive, and supportive environment.

At the heart of my educational philosophy is the belief that every child has unique strengths and potential.  As the College Gardens principal, my vision is to work collaboratively with staff, students, families, and community partners to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and valued in a safe, culturally responsive, and inclusive environment. I am committed to maintaining a school culture where diversity is celebrated, and every student has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.

Communication and collaboration are key components of a successful school community. I value your input and look forward to working closely with staff, families, and community members to support our students. Your insights and experiences are critical as we work toward our shared goals. Together, we can create an engaging and dynamic educational experience that meets the needs of all our students.

I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have already received from the College Gardens community, and I look forward to getting to know each of you better in the days and weeks ahead.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your principal.Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on the lives of our children at College Gardens Elementary School. 

Sincerely,

Yvonne L. Sanya
Principal
College Gardens Elementary School