Dear MHES Families and Community Members,
Welcome to Meadow Hall Elementary School — a place where every child’s potential is nurtured and our community’s strength is celebrated. I am excited and deeply humbled to serve as the Principal of this incredible school. It is both an honor and a privilege to be part of a community where children always come first and dedicated adults work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of every student.
I was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in a small, close-knit town called Pocomoke City. Growing up as an honor student, I was fortunate to have an amazing mother who instilled in me the importance of education and maintained high expectations. My large extended family has played an instrumental role in shaping who I am today—both as a person and as a school leader committed to the growth and development of children.
My journey in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) began in 2000, where I spent 12 fulfilling years as a classroom teacher in grades 3–5. Over time, my role expanded to include supporting district-wide initiatives as a Staff Development Teacher for five years. In that capacity, I worked to ensure that every student experienced academic excellence through professional learning for staff, coordination of school and community programs, and a steadfast focus on learning and accountability. I later served as the Assistant Principal at Glen Haven Elementary School for three years, supporting the school’s vision of being empathy-informed educators who provided rigorous instruction tailored to meet the needs of all students. My experience as a Principal Intern at Brookhaven Elementary School further honed my leadership skills and prepared me for the privilege of leading Meadow Hall Elementary School.
Now in my fourth year as Principal at Meadow Hall Elementary School, we continue to elevate our Four Pillars and lean into instruction with intentionality to address achievement gaps and foster academic growth. Our collective commitment remains focused on ensuring that every child receives high-quality instruction, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to thrive both academically and socially.
At Meadow Hall, we are proud to serve as a Community School, where we embrace the core principles of community partnership to promote the health, mental health, academic, and extracurricular supports our students and families need to flourish. Our goal is to advance equity while prioritizing the critical needs of students and caregivers that are essential to their well-being. Through this work, we strive to build strong foundations at home that support the academic and social-emotional development of our students, ultimately fostering lasting success.
Our work continues to be guided by four key pillars:
- Data-Driven and Intentional Tier 1 Instruction – We use data to ensure that instruction meets the diverse needs of all students and fosters their academic success.
- Restorative Practices – We build strong relationships, promote student autonomy, and resolve conflicts through dialogue and reflection rather than punitive measures.
- Community-Centered Approaches – We engage the Meadow Hall community in planning events and learning experiences, ensuring that our collective voices guide our work.
- Student and Staff Well-Being – We balance the pursuit of academic excellence with a commitment to cultivating joy, safety, and holistic well-being for all.
I am continually inspired by the great things happening at Meadow Hall Elementary School. As a Community School, we take pride in the partnerships that enrich our students’ experiences and strengthen our collective mission. I am deeply grateful to our staff, families, and community partners who work hand-in-hand to support the academic and social-emotional growth of every child.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we will make this an extraordinary year for our students!
With Mustang Pride,
Desmond Mackall
Principal, Meadow Hall Elementary School
#MustangNation