Nearly 160,000 students returnee to school on Tuesday, Aug. 26 for the start of the 2025–2026 school year. MCPS has shared that there are 24 new principals (or new to their school) who are excited to meet their students and families. The following was shared in the MCPS Staff Bulletin:
Marie U. Gasaway
S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
Marie U. GasawayI used to be a powerlifter and was able to lift 265 pounds!
Catherine R. Guenthner
Wyngate Elementary School
Catherine R. GuenthnerWhen I graduated from high school, I got my real estate license to work with my family as a part of my dad’s business. I kept my real estate license for 10 years.
Cassandra E. Heifetz
Ritchie Park Elementary School
Cassandra E. HeifetzOne of my incoming kindergarteners this year is the child of a student I taught at Julius West during my first years in MCPS—nearly 25 years ago! Being back in this cluster and seeing former students raising their own families here is such a full-circle moment.
Saanura J. James
Fairland Elementary School
Saanura J. JamesI started swimming when I was 4 years old and participated in a year-round swim team in elementary school. My youngest son followed in my footsteps and now that he is older, I look forward to seeing my Fairland Falcons at their summer swim meets next summer.
Monica G. Kellner
Twinbrook Elementary School
Monica G. KellnerI am a product of MCPS K-12 and I have also been an administrator at every level in MCPS.
Brooks P. Kemp
Bradley Hills Elementary School
Brooks P. KempI was a swimmer for Loyola College of Baltimore (Loyola University), and now I enjoy triathlons, road races and biking.
Edith U. Lee
Whetstone Elementary School
Edith U. LeeI’m a third-generation educator. I’m secretly hoping one of my four kids will also become a teacher!
Alejandra F. Olavarrieta
Summit Hall Elementary School
Alejandra F. OlavarrietaI moved to the United States from Lima, Peru when I was in first grade and attended Flower Hill Elementary School in Gaithersburg. I’m thrilled to now serve and lead in the same city and county where I grew up, as the proud principal of Summit Hall Elementary School.
Lisa M. Rosado
South Lake Elementary School
Lisa M. RosadoSince 2015, I’ve traveled to states including Washington, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico and Ohio to compete in roller skating figure competitions.
Brooke L. Simon
Lois P. Rockwell Elementary School
Brooke L. SimonI am excited and proud to serve the Rockwell community. You’ll never walk alone.
Eric G. Stancell
Watkins Mill Elementary School
Eric G. StancellEvery new school year is a new chapter in life. Approach it with a clear purpose, a plan and the confidence to accomplish your goals.
Dr. Joshua A. Williams
Fields Road Elementary School
Dr. Joshua A. WilliamsOur slogan for this school year is Full Steam Ahead! Our call is, “All Aboard!” Our response is, “Choo Choo!” The Fields Road staff and community are on the train and ready to roll! Go Falcons!
Loretta A. Woods
Burtonsville Elementary School
Loretta A. WoodsI was born in Ghana, West Africa and came here when I was 5 years old.
Deyjah A. Chappell
Benjamin Banneker Middle School
Deyjah A. ChappellI became a certified dental technician with X-ray certification through a dual-enrollment program in high school and was on a Pre-Dental track during my undergraduate studies.
Justin A. Krop
Francis Scott Key Middle School
Justin A. KropI was a collegiate wrestler at Liberty University and spent 10 years coaching high school wrestling.
Shanay A. Snead
North Bethesda Middle School
Shanay A. SneadStart the school year with a routine that balances work and wellness. For students: don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself. For parents: stay engaged, check in regularly and celebrate progress, not just perfection.
Ahmed A. Adelekan
James Hubert Blake High School
Ahmed A. AdelekanBefore becoming an educator, I worked in Los Angeles as a location scout and production assistant on movies, television shows and commercials.
Dr. Joseph D. Bostic, Jr.
Thomas S. Wootton High School
Dr. Joseph D. Bostic, Jr.Don’t be afraid to explore new interests and take chances—you never know where they may lead you. Use a planner or digital calendar to manage your time, track assignments, and stay on top of responsibilities. And most importantly: build strong relationships early. Greet your teachers, connect with classmates, and ask for help when needed.
Dr. Irina LaGrange
Quince Orchard High School
Dr. Irina LaGrangeOne of my favorite high school teachers was Mrs. Flora Singer. She was incredibly kind, engaging and thoughtful, and she managed to infuse history lessons into our French class.
Karla Lopez-Arias
John F. Kennedy High School
Karla Lopez-AriasAs we begin the new school year, remember: Success grows from strong connections. Together—as students, families and staff—we build the foundation for learning, growth and belonging.
Damon A. Monteleone
Montgomery Blair High School
Damon A. MonteleoneI taught overseas for five years, one of which was in Austria, where I snowboarded the Alps, backpacked through Europe and visited Istanbul. The other four years were in Santo Domingo, where I traveled the Dominican Republic on a 1986 Yamaha motorcycle while meeting wonderful people and immersing myself in the beautiful culture.
Kevin Yates (Acting)
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Kevin Yates (Acting)During college, I rode a bicycle across the country to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities. That trip changed my life. I’m still an avid cyclist and I rode from Buffalo to New York City this summer with the same organization, The Ability Experience.
Stacey L. Heintze
Stephen Knolls School
Stacey L. HeintzeStart your back-to-school morning and evening routines a week before school starts to get the whole family ready for the first day!
Dr. Shiree Slade
MECCA Business Learning Institute Charter School
Dr. Shiree SladeI enjoy joining river expeditions in my free time to test water quality and explore aquatic life.