Schools

Templeton Elementary Welcomes New Principal This Year

Ebony Harrington will bring her decade of experience in the county's public schools to Templeton Elementary.

Along with a few other area schools, the students at Templeton Elementary School will welcome a new principal, Ebony Harrington.

Harrington, 32, has taught in Prince George's County schools for 10 years, and has a bachelor's degree in public relations and a master's in educational leadership and administration.

She's a member of the New Leaders for New Schools cohort from 2011 and was most recently the principal at Lewisdale Elementary.

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Riverdale Park-University Park Patch: What ideas would you like to implement at school?

Ebony Harrington: I would like to begin to prepare Templeton Elementary School for the Common Core Standards. We plan to do this by explicitly training the staff on the components and expectations of Common Core. Writing will be our primary focus as we prepare for common core and it will be infused throughout daily instruction. 
Our immediate instructional focus is to incorporate the meta-cognitive approach (students thinking about how they think) into all subject areas across the grade levels. I want to bridge the gap between the school and both the immediate and extended community by building partnerships. I would like to instill a spirit of philanthropy in our students by organizing monthly volunteer events for the school.

Find out what's happening in Riverdale Park-University Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: What changes can parents expect to see under your leadership?

EB: Our theme for this school year is "CELEBRATE: As we move from Good To GREAT!" Templeton Elementary School is a community of life-long learners who strongly believe all students can achieve at high levels. As I assume the role as principal, the parents can expect to see the practices and levels of high achievement enhanced because there is no need for drastic change; however, there is need for growth.

Patch: What's your teaching philosophy?

EB: I strongly believe that all students can achieve at high levels and teachers must be equipped with the skills resources and support that will assist them in educating their students.

Patch: Your school made its Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) this year. What would you like to do or implement to maintain or exceed next year's AYP?

EB: I plan to provide support to the faculty staff and students, provide professional development and resources, and to encourage and celebrate as we move from good to great.

Patch: What would you like parents and staff to know about you that I may have not asked?

EB: I would like them to know that I am elated to be the new instructional leader of Templeton Elementary School. Also, I am very happy to be home (I worked at Templeton as a Professional Development/Testing Coordinator during the 2009-2010 school year). I also provided support to the teachers last year by facilitating professional development sessions.

Patch: What's your favorite book?

EB: "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss


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