Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Jamie Gadley, assistant principal at Dogwood Elementary School, has been selected to serve as the new principal of Dranesville Elementary School effective September 28, 2020. Ms. Gadley will collaborate with Ross Baker, acting principal, to ensure a smooth transition. The Region Office and Ms. Gadley are appreciative of Mr. Baker and his leadership and express gratitude to the staff and community for his service.

Ms. Gadley is looking forward to continuing the culture of collaboration that is one of the cornerstones of the Dranesville community. Throughout her journey on the administrative path, Ms. Gadley has long focused on building and maintaining relationships among and between children and adults. She believes that that strong relationships anchor strong learning communities and enable children to thrive. She shares in wanting Dranesville be a place where membership, as part of a global society is recognized and honored. Ms. Gadley has collaborated with parent liaisons to ensure that all parents develop a mutual partnership with the school. Previously, she implemented a Parent Academy which led to increased parent involvement in the areas of student success and advocacy.

Ms. Gadley's career path decisions as a classroom teacher allowed her to specialize in the areas of advanced academics and mathematics. These experiences include working in Title I and non-Title I schools; to include a magnet school. Additionally, Ms. Gadley understands the complex needs of special education and ESOL students and families. She initiated, planned, and facilitated monthly ESOL and Special Education collaborative learning teams which led to the development of enhanced case management partnerships. Dually identified students were also able to benefit from intentional instruction coupled with authentic assessment. She also established a robust after school program and has engaged underrepresented students in STEAM experiences.

Ms. Gadley subscribes to the idea that all students are deserving of equitable access. At the start of the current pandemic crisis, she quickly assessed the technology and connectivity needs of Dogwood students and families and helped to coordinate food and laptop distribution. Ms. Gadley has remained committed in helping the community access resources. Not only has her leadership contributed to success in the school, it has also been acknowledged by her pyramid, region and district colleagues.

Ms. Gadley received her Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies and Sociology from SUNY Buffalo, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Medaille College and her Master of Education, Mathematics Education from Walden University. Ms. Gadley is excited and looking forward to beginning to work with the students, staff and families of the Dranesville community.

Please join me in welcoming Jamie Gadley as the new principal of Dranesville Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Douglas A. Tyson

Assistant Superintendent, Region 1