BEST PRINCIPALDan Notari,St. John’s Lane Elementary SchoolSt. John’s Lane Elementary School, 2960 St. Johns Lane,Ellicott City.sjles.hcpss.orgFor Dan Notari, being principal means being present — sometimes in all things and at all times.The St. John’s Lane Elementary School principal keeps his fingeron the pulse of the school community, including students, teachersand families.“I’m not shy to go down the slide. I’m not shy to be at the bus orthe car loop, lunch recess or in classrooms,” Notari, 48, said. “I thinkmy families know that I’m a pretty accessible guy.”About 25 years ago, Notari moved from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to take a job teaching fifth grade at Stevens Forest ElementarySchool in Columbia. He soon became a team leader and was motivated to make a difference beyond his classroom. He is now in hisfifth year as principal.“The biggest thing is always going to be relationships and beingconnected to all aspects of this work … and connected to our kids,”said Notari. He and his wife Laurie have two teenage sons, Lukeand Drew.“I frame a lot of my day around culture, structure and instruction,” he said. “And we’re gonna make a difference in all three ofthose buckets every single day for my community.”Dan Notari, principal of St John’s Lane Elementary School, was voted BestPrincipal. PHOTO BY KIM HAIRSTONhowardmagazine.com | Fall 2023 |27
It seems that your browser's pop-up blocker has prevented us from opening a new window/tab. Please click the button below to open the link manually.
