Dear Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School Staff, Students, and Families,
I am truly excited to introduce myself to the Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School community. My name is Kim Haden, and I am honored to join this incredible school community as an educator in my 26th year with Montgomery County Public Schools.
As I’ve learned more about Matsunaga, I’ve been especially drawn to the strong sense of community, the celebration of diversity, and the pride people clearly have in the school. I love that Matsunaga is a place where students and families from so many different backgrounds come together, and where “Knowledge is Power!” is more than just a slogan. It is clear that relationships, learning, and opportunity matter deeply here.
My educational background is rooted in both creativity and a passion for teaching and learning. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of Maryland and later earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I also completed certificates in Arts Integration and Administration and Supervision through Towson University. Throughout my career, I have served MCPS students and families in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, staff development teacher, coordinator, assistant principal, and most recently as principal intern. Each experience has strengthened my belief that strong relationships, high expectations, and joyful learning environments are at the heart of successful schools.
I am especially excited about the opportunity to serve a school community that embraces and supports such a wide range of learners, including students in specialized programs. I believe every child deserves to feel known, valued, supported, and challenged, and I am committed to helping create a school environment where all students feel a true sense of belonging.
Outside of school, I live in Clarksburg with my husband and our two sons. My family is originally from Tennessee, where I spent every summer growing up, and I love sharing those experiences and traditions with my boys. I am also heavily involved in animal rescue volunteer work, which means there are usually a few foster cats or kittens keeping our household busy!
I am truly looking forward to getting to know the students, staff, and families that make Matsunaga such a special place. I am excited to listen, learn, build relationships, and work together to continue supporting a positive school culture and strong outcomes for all students.
With gratitude,
Kim Haden
