Date: November 5, 2004
Contact: Irene Cromer
703-791-8720

BRENDA LEWIS’S HIGH MARKS EARN PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

Brenda Lewis, principal of Loch Lomond Elementary School since 1998, has been selected as the Prince William County Principal of the Year and as the recipient of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. A committee of parents, teachers, administrators, and other school employees selected Lewis from among five principals nominated by their school communities. The other nominees are Julie Hurst, Henderson Elementary School; Diana Lambert-Aikens, West Gate Elementary School; Pamela Moody, Sudley Elementary School; and Gary Shaw, King Elementary School.

Lewis will receive a plaque from the School Board at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 21.

Loch Lomond Elementary School has met federal standards for adequate yearly progress for the past two years. SOL scores have soared to a high in history of 94, 88 in English, 87 in science, and 82 in math. In surveys, parents have given the school an 86 percent satisfaction rating and 94 percent of the teachers are satisfied. This year Loch Lomond was named a School of Excellence, the highest honor awarded a school by the Prince William County School Board and the Superintendent. Lewis encourages staff participation in school decisions; staff members are an integral part of the staff development plan, Strategic Plan, and school budget. At staff meetings, teachers share effective strategies, ideas, and tips with their colleagues. Lewis has stocked the school’s professional library with more than 2000 resources including books, educational games, CD ROMs, and math manipulatives. To recognize her staff’s success, Lewis holds monthly breakfasts and birthday celebrations, offers door prizes at staff meetings, and stocks mailboxes with “happy grams” and treats.

Under Lewis’s leadership a math lab was created, an innovative writer’s project made writing portfolios available for each student, and the first annual edition of the student Literary Magazine was published in May. Demonstrating her commitment to students, Lewis plays Language Bingo, Math Bingo, and Scrabble with students during lunch. Twice a month she reviews student writing samples and returns each with a personal message. Loch Lomond’s community can participate in a Student Book Club, Chess Club, Scottie Speech Club, Staff Walking Club, and a Spirit Team.

To assist the large minority population of over 65 percent, language interpreters are readily available and school information and newsletters are printed in English and Spanish. Evening activities offered at the school include Family Literacy Night, Multicultural Night, Science Fair, and SOL Preparation Night. Parents As Education Partners classes are offered for parents of ESOL students.

Lewis started her teaching career in 1974 as a kindergarten and first grade teacher for Warren County Public Schools. Four years later, she transferred to the City of Manassas Public Schools, where she taught kindergarten and was the early childhood contact person. In 1989 she was named assistant principal at Sudley Elementary School and the following year assumed the assistant principalship at Parkside Elementary School. A graduate of Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Art Education, Lewis earned a Master of Education in Supervision and Administration from George Mason University.

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