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2020 heart of the School Awards

WINNERS

David Guzman

Mary E. Rodman Elementary/Middle School


To Principal Guzman, every student and staff member’s development deserves the focus and seriousness a principal might bring to their own lives. His leadership sets the tone, bringing the structure, commitment and positive intensity that results in students being motivated and determined. Principal Guzman prioritizes staff professional growth; teachers are able to self-identify growth areas on which to focus. Teachers are then grouped accordingly and have opportunity to observe other educators in action at other schools around the city. This approach has transformed Mary E. Rodman Elementary from one of the lowest-performing schools in the state three years ago, to now outpacing district performance averages in virtually every academic category. 


“Principal Guzman has made a major turn around with Mary E. Rodman Elementary. He has provided a staff that is able to provide his scholars with skills and tools to strive for the best. He has given the scholars and their families opportunities to participate in events that allow relationships to form bonds.” - Darlene Patterson, parent


“Principal Guzman sets clear goals, high expectations, but serves to support all of the staff in the building in achievement of those goals. He leads in a calm, inspiring and genuine way, with completely open communication to all staff members.” - Angel Bolling, teacher/school staff


Be sure to check out Principal Guzman's feature in Baltimore Magazine: https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/profile/david-guzman/

Principle David Guzman

Amber Kilcoyne

Medfield Heights Elementary School


Principal Kilcoyne is no stranger to transition. From leading in a temporary school building while a new school is being built to supporting a diverse student group with many multilingual students learning English, her calm, gracious demeanor is the glue that holds the school community together. Principal Kilcoyne keeps students, staff and families connected to the school and the learning process. Students at Medfield Heights show consistent academic gains, high attendance (despite the longer trip to school because of its temporary location during construction), and success in the ELL program helping non-native English speaking students quickly transition into English-taught classes. Next year, when schools reopen, students and staff will enter the new Medfield Heights Elementary School building ready to learn and build on the positive momentum that their principal led.


“Her pragmatic problem solving, rational and compassionate approach to student and system issues, and her unfailing attention have made MHES one of the best Elementary school choices in Baltimore. She knows the systems, knows the people, finds the teachers, and keeps everyone informed and striving.” - Philip Stablein, parent


“Amber Kilcoyne is the reason students want to come to school. She is the fun loving and driven principal who comes to school everyday for the students.” - Andrea Stayton, teacher/school staff


Be sure to check out Principal Kilcoyne's feature in Baltimore Magazine: https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/profile/amber-kilcoyne/

Principle Amber  Kilcoyne

Joe Manko

Liberty Elementary School

Note: Has subsequently retired


Principal Manko approaches his work leading Liberty Elementary as a CEO might - creating a foundation for self-directed student and staff success so he can focus on the ideas and planning that would have the highest impact. His leadership resonates with the school’s high-performing, experienced educators (featuring 18 model teachers); staff turnover at Liberty is very low. Principal Manko understands that experiences and resources outside school help students learn so students regularly take field trips – approximately 80-90 each year - to places around Baltimore and the state that bring life to what they learn in the classroom. And he encourages community engagement; last year, an average of 30 community volunteers came to the school every day to work with students and help teachers. Students at Liberty are thriving as a result of Principal Manko’s thoughtful leadership.


“He believes in making the lives better for students and their families and he will try his hardest to remove all barriers for our students to attend school and receive the support they need.” - Sara Krauss, teacher/school staff


“Joe Manko is one of the most genuine principals that I have met in my 18 years of providing programming to Baltimore City Schools. He is a man of integrity and innovation.” – Andres Gonzalez, community partner


Be sure to check out Joe Manko's feature in Baltimore Magazine: https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/profile/joe-manko/

Principle Joe Manko

Mark Gaither

Wolfe Street Academy


Over Principal Gaither’s 15 years leading Wolfe Street Academy, the school has developed into a true hub for the neighborhood. Every day, students arrive to a positive space with the resources and support they need to learn and to live, including medical check-ups, clothing and supplies, and mental health services. Academically, the school has moved from 77th to now near the top of all City Schools on state performance assessments, with consistent academic gains year after year. Since Wolfe Street serves one of the largest percentage of immigrant families of all Baltimore public schools, Principal Gaither hosts events to help all families understand their and their students’ rights, and provides resources so families can advocate for and empower their children. The impact of this work is noticed; Principal Gaither has been recognized nationally for leading what has been named one of the five best community schools in the country.


“Mr. Gaither is such a hardworking and caring person and is practically the center of a whole neighborhood. He is SUCH an asset to our community and society as a whole.” – Ben Brown, community partner.


“Mr. Gaither has a great heart and takes care of every family that attends Wolfe Street Academy.” – Silvia Chicas, teacher/school staff


Be sure to check out Principal Gaither's feature in Baltimore Magazine: https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/profile/mark-gaither/​

Principle Mark Gaither

Zaharah Valentine

Baltimore Design School


Any visit to Baltimore Design School illustrates how an empowered staff results in strong student relationships, better academic performance and a compassionate, positive school culture. From adding wellness breaks and a staff yoga room to creating a daycare for the children of staff, Principal Valentine ensures that faculty and staff have the environment and resources to perform at their highest. The result has been student academic gains in both literacy and math and an active, engaged, motivated student body. Baltimore Design School is a calm, focused space where students and staff thrive, in large part because they have a school leader who supports them.


“She is making this school better by sticking by our sides and not letting us get so caught up in what’s wrong that we can start focusing on what we are doing right.” - Asia Marie Billings, student


“Ms. Valentine is a great principal. She has encouraged us to do our best even if we think we can't. I've only been at this school for a few months now and I already feel like I belong here thanks to the teachers, students, and Ms. Valentine.” - Laila Abdur Rahim, student


“She expects nothing but absolute greatness from all of her students and they love and respect her.” - Lavonya Moody, parent


Be sure to check out Principal Valentine's feature in Baltimore Magazine: https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/profile/zaharah-valentine/

Principle Zaharah Valentine

HONOREES

Monique Debi

Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School


Principal Debi knows that true student growth happens in spaces filled with love, positive energy and a strong community - all of which she instills every day at Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School. The impact of this approach on students, staff and school culture is palpable. In her three years as principal, enrollment at the school has nearly doubled and students are making strong academic gains. Teachers at Fort Worthington are positive role models for students, and Principal Debi puts special emphasis on hiring male teachers to support that effort. She emphasizes community involvement by regularly planning community nights and highlighting opportunities for families to support the learning process. Thanks to Principal Debi’s compassionate leadership, community engagement is high and students are succeeding in a nurturing, love-filled environment.


“Monique Debi turned a collaborative building into a community hub. She truly understands that it takes a village to raise our children.” - Justin Hunt, teacher/school staff


“Ms. Debi leads our school down the path of excellence by encouraging deep relationships between scholars and staff. She is never too busy to congratulate a scholar, lift a staff member or listen to the concerns of parents.” - William Richardson, teacher/school staff

Principle Monique Debi

Katrina Foster

Hampden Elementary/Middle School


The first thing Principal Foster did when arriving as principal of Hampden Elementary/Middle School three years ago was listen. She knows that effective leadership begins with hearing from students, staff and families - what needs they have, what community resources are available to support the school, how the school can improve. Principal Foster heard from her school community and acted, implementing a variety of improvements to enhance student growth and school culture. Parents asked for recess for all students - she made it happen. The Parent Teacher Organization wanted more after school activities - she expanded her school’s offerings. And she created new partnerships with local organizations such as the SPCA, which brings dogs to the school for students to read to. The result of this work is increased enrollment along with students, staff and families fully engaged in the learning process.


“Dr. Foster has created an environment where students are encouraged not only to learn and better themselves through education, but also to make their community the best it can be.” – Amber Guthrie, Community Partner


“In less than two years, Dr. Foster has created an encouraging and supportive atmosphere for teachers, staff, parents and most importantly students.” - Timothy St. Clair, Parent

Principle Katrina Foster

Tiffany Halsey

The Belair-Edison Middle School


Thanks to Principal Halsey’s commitment to “connection before content,” students at The Belair-Edison Middle School are engaged before the first bell rings. They begin with a fist bump from Principal Halsey who greets every student at the front door. The connection continues with a robust program of pre-class clubs and student activities, such as a walking club, sports, or creating art with classmates. Through this work, Principal Halsey brings structure to students’ days before school even begins, preparing them to focus, engage, and learn in an environment where they know they are loved and where their voices are heard. Students are given space to think deeply, find solutions on their own and try new things in an environment that supports their exploration. This fosters a positive culture of constant learning among staff and students.


“Principal Halsey is a strong leader, who continually works to ensure that her staff and students have what they need to be successful. The commitment, creativity and dedication of the staff flows from Ms. Halsey’s leadership, support, and high expectations.” - Shantay McKinily, community partner


“Ms. Halsey leads not from the top, but from your side. She is by your side at entry greeting students; she is by your side encouraging young people to be their best selves; she is by your side working with families; she is by your side doing the most important task: teaching.” - Heather Stone, teacher/school staff

Principle Tiffany Halsey

Ashley Moore

Empowerment Academy


At Empowerment Academy, students learn while laughing, having fun and trying new things. Principal Moore’s out-of-the-box thinking creates new ways to make learning enjoyable for both students and staff. Her emphasis on arts integration and hands-on creativity in the classroom means that students dance, rhyme and make art to better understand math equations and to build literacy skills. Principal Moore has been known to don a costume and pop into classroom after classroom, bringing joy and laughter to each room. The logic is clear: students learn more effectively when having fun. Thanks to Principal Moore’s leadership, there is a delight in learning at Empowerment Academy.


“I can honestly say that I come to work every day knowing that I am appreciated for all that I do.” – Dawn Umbel, teacher/school staff


“Mrs. Moore prepares our students and staff for the next level of academic achievements and embodies what true leadership should look like.” - Stephen Taylor, teacher/school staff

Principle Ashley Moore

Brandon Pinkney

Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School


To Principal Pinkney, a successful school starts with strong relationships, and he builds them throughout Walter P. Carter Elementary Middle School. His strong support of staff, personal connection with students and implementation of restorative practices has contributed to the school’s turnaround. Students find a school bustling with positive attitude, thoughtful programs and supportive community partnerships with organizations that align with school goals. Students are empowered to lead programs (including leading safety patrols around the school grounds) and utilize restorative practices with peers on their own.


“Mr. Pinkney is the most patient, caring, loving and giving school staff member I have ever encountered in my 15yrs with BCPSS.” - Kenyetta Sissoko, teacher/school staff


“Mr. Pinkney ensures that every person in the WPC family feels valued and empowered by his inclusive and informative approach.” - Janine Lindsey, teacher/school staff

Principle Brandon Pinkney

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