More than 163,000 students will head back to school on Tuesday, Sept. 4 for the start of the 2018-2019 school year. More than 850 teachers have been hired, and there are 25 new principals (or new to their school) who are excited to meet their new students and families. These principals were asked to share a fun or interesting fact with MCPS QuickNotes that they would like their school communities to know.
Elementary School
Michael D. Bayewitz, Cloverly
I’m a huge fan of the band U2. I have seen them in concert 21 times.
Meredith A. Casper, Dr. Charles R. Drew
I have worked for four different school systems in 29 years. My best back-to-school tip is to get yourselves in the pictures with your children. The kids always like looking back at you both as you talk about their school careers.
Michael W. Burd, East Silver Spring
I grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania which is the home of the Little League World Series.
Cassandra Heifetz, Glen Haven
I am a fourth-generation educator! My aunt teaches reading in Colorado, my grandmother was a teacher and school librarian in Pennsylvania, and my great-grandmother taught in a one-room school house in rural Pennsylvania. I’m proud to continue to promote a love of learning with a new generation!
Ann Hefflin, Glenallan
I’m starting my 28th year as an educator and first year as a principal! While I am energized by the work of teaching and learning, I also value time with family, friends and peaceful moments of my own.
Carrie L. Zimmerman, Greenwood
I am a busy mother of four elementary school age children (kindergarten, second grade, fourth grade and fifth grade). My husband, children and I enjoy amusement parks and are Hershey Park season pass holders.
Maria D. Watson, Laytonsville
I love spending time outdoors with my husband and dog. The three of us try to take a walk every day—even if it means walking late after a school event!
Christine D. Oberdorf, Piney Branch
My husband, son, daughter and I enjoy spending time exploring the outdoors at local parks and trails. We are all looking forward to a fabulous start to the school year!
Rachel C. Dubois, Bayard Rustin
Megan H. Murphy, Seven Locks
As a former MCPS student, I am very excited to give back to the system that gave me so much. When I am not at school, I love to spend time with my husband and son!
Matthew A. Devan, Twinbrook
I grew up in Rochester, New York, I enjoyed riding my snowmobile and playing hockey on ponds in the winter. I am excited to be the principal at Twinbrook Elementary. We look forward to ensuring our students take full advantage of the great programs waiting for them at Julius West Middle School and Richard Montgomery High School!
Dr. Amy J. Alonso, Washington Grove
I love to travel with friends. My favorite destination is Mexico. This year I crossed off a bucket list item – parasailing!
Audra M. Wilson, Westover
I love to try new restaurants with my family and friends, and am currently eating my way through the Zagat guide!
Loretta A. Woods, Whetstone
I was born in Ghana, West Africa. I am the mother of two bright boys and the wife of a courageous police officer.
Middle School
Michelle L. Fortune, Benjamin Banneker
My mother was an educator and inspired me to become a teacher. I strive to imbue a high level of learning and service in my students as well as my own children. In my free time, I like to run and spend time with my family at the beach.
Stephanie S. Sheron, Briggs Chaney
I am part of an MCPS family! Both my husband and I work for MCPS and my 6 year-old son attends elementary school in the county as well. In addition to our love for education, our favorite thing to do as a family is go to the beach.
Dr. Annemarie K. Smith, North Bethesda
I have lived on four continents, but ultimately, I graduated from high school in the same community where I have been given the opportunity to lead a school as principal for the first time!
Jon Green, John Poole
Shauna-Kay J. Jorandby, Sligo
I absolutely love to escape into a good book and students recommend new book series to me all the time. It feels like I’m a member of many book fan clubs.
High School
Brandice C. Heckert, Winston Churchill
I am proud to be starting my nineteenth year with MCPS. I appreciate the value of an education and the impact we have on so many lives. My parents each taught for 40 years and have since retired. My husband is a teacher in MCPS and we have a daughter that will be the MCPS class of 2032!
Cary D. Dimmick, Gaithersburg
Elizabeth L. Thomas, Quince Orchard
I love to compete in running events and competitions such as Ragnar, Warrior Dash, Savage, and Rock N Roll Half Marathons.
Dr. Eric L. Minus, Sherwood
Approach your education with a high level of energy and expectations for your performance. No one can place higher expectations on you than the bar that you have set for yourself. Excellence is the only option.
Robert W. Dodd, Walt Whitman
I am unofficially one of three educators who have been a principal at all three school levels in MCPS: elementary, middle, and high school.
Stephanie Schaufelberger, Rock Terrace School (acting)
