Celebrating National Principals Month – Mark Carothers, Principal of Poolesville High School

October is National Principals Month. During this month we recognize the dedicated leaders who guide our schools and support students, staff and families every day. To celebrate, we did a Q&A with a few principals around the county to learn more about what inspires them and the impact their role can play in the community. Each principal answered the same set of questions, giving us a glimpse into their leadership, their passions and even a few fun facts along the way.

How long have you been with MCPS?
This is my 23rd year. I started as an English teacher at Watkins Mill High School in August, 2003. 

How long have you been the principal at Poolesville HS?
This is my seventh year as principal of PHS. I was appointed on July 11, 2019.

What inspires you each day?
I am transparent about my own high school experience. My home life was not always the best, and high school provided me with connections and safety that were not present in my home. It is not an exaggeration to say that high school saved my life. Each day, I want to extend the warmth and kindness that students may not be receiving regularly, all with the aim of ensuring they feel seen, heard, valued and supported while also pursuing a positive trajectory for their lives. I want every student who walks through our doors to feel like they belong and are accepted for who they are. 

What advice would you give to a first year principal? 
You’re there for a reason, especially when it gets difficult. Sometimes you must block out the outside voices and do what you believe is right for kids. Find that North Star and follow it, emphasize it and repeat it. When I was appointed, I had two mentors tell me two different things, both of which resonated:

• You’ll make thousands of split decisions each day. If you’re lucky, 75% of them will be the right decisions. Give yourself some grace and do what you think is right. 
• In the principalship, the highs are really high, and the lows are really low. Fight through the lows to be able to enjoy the highs.   

What’s your top win/biggest accomplishment from this past year? 
As our multi-year construction project comes to its conclusion, I have loved seeing and hearing the reactions of students, staff and families react to each new space, like our new gym(!). It has been a difficult process, but the reward of having a physical environment that reflects the level of teaching and learning that happens at Poolesville High School far outweighs the difficulties. I was recently awarded the Western Montgomery County Champion Award by the local town government for my leadership throughout the construction project, and it meant the world to be recognized by the community I directly serve. 

What job did you want to have when you were a kid? 
I wanted to be a doctor, then a psychologist. By the time I got to college, I knew I wanted to be in education. I started as a math major, then switched to social studies, and finally decided on English. It may have taken some time to find the right content, but I knew I was meant to teach. 

What’s an interesting/fun fact that not everyone knows about you?
I have run 12 marathons and completed a half-Ironman triathlon, mostly in support of raising almost $50,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of my best friend. 

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What impact do you think principals have on the greater community?  
I think we are the first line of trust and safety for our greater community. Parents and caregivers trust us with their children every single day, and, as the primary “face” of the school, the principal has a significant impact on that trust through clear communication, authentic conversations and high visibility. If the greater community knows the principal cares, they are able to feel welcome at the school and truly believe that their children are loved and protected. For the community members who do not have children in the schools, I believe the principal’s presence and commitment to the community allows for a strong partnership in support of students, staff and families.