Administration

Mary Johnson

Elementary School Principal

Contact the Elementary/Middle School: elementaryschool@mcginniswoods.org

Mary Johnson, the principal of McGinnis Woods Elementary School has been involved in education throughout all of her adult career. She began teaching immediately upon earning her BA in Elementary Education from Wheaton College, taking a short hiatus upon the arrival of her children. Mary has taught many grade levels in both the public and private sector and has learned from serving on many committees through the years. Mary earned her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois and her Educational Leadership add-on through the University of Georgia.

Mary has been with McGinnis Woods since March of 2001 and has taught and served as Curriculum Director during her tenure. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2004. Mary was appointed Principal during the 2005-6 school term. Mary’s love for teaching, knowledge of curriculum and vast experience in education has provided the tools necessary to foster unity and vision amongst the staff, parents and students at McGinnis Woods.

Mary believes that every student should be given the opportunity to learn and succeed in a warm and caring environment, which continually fosters a love and curiosity for learning. She believes that the curriculum at McGinnis Woods provides the students with daily opportunities and the tools to explore the world around them in hands-on, relevant ways encouraging growth in developmentally appropriate settings.

As principal, Mary oversees the daily operations, personnel and instruction at the school. She is energized by students and their enthusiasm for life. She also enjoys the relationships she shares with the children’s parents and her amazing staff. Mary encourages parental involvement and welcomes parent ideas. She believes that a strong tie between home and school is essential to each child’s success.

Brandie Hunter

Preschool Curriculum Director

Brandie Hunter, Preschool Curriculum Director, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, with a minor in Social Welfare from the University of Western Carolina. Ms. Brandie has worked directly with children and families in many varied preschool and elementary school settings and locations, both as a teacher and administrator over the past 20 years.

Ms. Brandie believes children absorb whatever they experience, especially in their early years. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that our school provides a curriculum that nurtures and encourages active thinking and creative experimentation. Ms. Brandie believes that a child’s social and emotional development is the foundation of all learning and school readiness skills.

As curriculum director, she gives careful attention to every aspect of the physical, social and cognitive development of the children, so they may gain knowledge and skills that will provide a solid foundation for future success in school and in becoming lifelong learners. In doing so, she and the staff foster good habits, attitudes and positive self images in the children, which will make a difference throughout their lives.