In February, principals Dr. Erin Lenart (Fairfax High School) and Dr. Tammy Hanna (Lanier Middle School) presented together to discuss efforts in ensuring equity for all students, lessons learned during the previous year with remote learning and looking ahead to students returning to the school building. Lenart discussed her efforts to give a “voice to the voiceless” and keeping kids front and center with all she and her staff do.
Dr. Hanna thanked the school board for their support in the recent renovations of the Lanier MS library. “We know the library is the heart of the school and we hope our school will be the heart of the community,” said Hanna.
In March, the two elementary principals Dan Phillips at Providence ES and Chris Smith at Daniels Run ES presented together. The two schools are also focused on inclusion and the principals outlined efforts to creating a caring environment for all students. Smith praised his staff for their flexibility and perseverance throughout the pandemic. The school had made adjustments to favorite activities such as the popular Welcome Walk where teachers would visit their students at home before the school year started. This year, the teachers scheduled individual virtual meetings and connected with students before the first day. Providence principal Phillips also praised his staff. Phillips discussed how his staff is “meeting the needs every student by name and by need,” reaching out to every child in their classrooms.
School Board Chairman Carolyn Pitches thanked each of the principals at the end of their presentation. “On behalf of the entire school board, I would like to thank you not only for your presentations, but for being such a vital part of our community. We are grateful to have such strong leaders in our schools,” said Pitches.
To see the presentations, please go to the City of Fairfax meetings page and click on School Board meetings from February 1, 2021 and March 1, 2021.