Three Anne Arundel County Public Schools elementary principals are among 15 school leaders statewide to receive Connected School Leader Awards from the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals: Heather Garris of Tracey’s Elementary School, Colleen McFarland of Glen Burnie Park Elementary School, and April Umile of Jacobsville Elementary School.
The award, open to current MAESP members, recognizes principals who exemplify connectedness by building meaningful relationships, strengthening teams, and helping staff understand how their work supports a school’s broader mission. “Our Connected School Leaders go to great lengths every day to maximize the power that enhanced relationships and partnerships bring to their schools, their staffs, and, most importantly, their students,” said MAESP Executive Director Dr. Christopher Wooleyhand. “We are honored to be able to recognize their hard work at the state level.”
Garris has led Tracey’s Elementary since 2018, after previously serving as principal at Severn Elementary, and has worked in AACPS elementary schools since 2007. “She is known for her candid and authentic communication style, addressing challenges directly and ensuring that parents and staff have a clear understanding of expectations and realities,” her nominator wrote. “While her straightforwardness is uncompromising, it is rooted in deep respect for others and a commitment to doing what is best for students.”
McFarland has led Glen Burnie Park Elementary since 2016 and has served AACPS students since 1995, entirely at the elementary level. “Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, trust, and a genuine belief that our school — ‘Our Ohana,’ as she calls it — thrives when students, families, and staff feel valued, heard, and connected to a shared mission through collective efficacy,” a nominator wrote. “Mrs. McFarland does not lead by dictating; she leads by bringing people together around a clear vision for students’ success.”
Umile has been principal at Jacobsville Elementary since 2017 and has worked in the district since 2009. “Her leadership is defined by an active, visible, and deeply empathetic presence in the lives of her students, families, and staff,” a nominator wrote. “Whether navigating a crisis or celebrating a milestone, Mrs. Umile consistently bridges the gap between home and school, ensuring every individual feels valued and supported.”
All three will be honored at MAESP’s fall conference in Ocean City, scheduled for Nov. 5-7. The recognition follows a similar honor for Southern Maryland educators last year, when Dr. Sonia Matthew of Mary B. Neal Elementary School in Charles County was named MAESP’s Outstanding Assistant Principal.
