Herndon — Fairfax County Public Schools named Herndon Middle School Principal Justine Klena the 2016 Outstanding Principal.
“She is the visionary, the planner, the problem solver, and most importantly, she is the lead learner,” says Cassie Eatmon, ESOL teacher.
Klena has been Herndon Middle School’s principal since 2008.
“When I came to Herndon Middle School last year, I quickly learned why great teachers make this school their home,” said instructional coach Emily Preston. “Justine exemplifies what it means to be a collaborative leader. She models what it is to be a learner, promotes the best interests of students at every turn, and maintains perspective by keeping a close tie to what is happening in classrooms.”
KLENA SERVED as assistant principal at Herndon and Cooper Middle Schools prior to being named principal at Herndon Middle School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Georgetown University and master’s degrees in both special education and educational leadership from George Mason University. She completed a teacher certification program at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, according to Fairfax Public Schools documents.
Klena offers support to families who live in poverty or have experienced traumatic border crossings.
“We now host a major community event to supply food to families through the Generosity Feeds program, and regular meals are provided through Herndon Helping Hands,” said Klena.
Herndon Middle School offers reunification counseling, parent education and weekend English classes for students and families.
One wing of the school is designated for the Family Resource Center. This year, the school’s bike club gave away 22 bicycles—refurbished by Herndon Middle students—to needy families.
OFFICIALS PRAISE Klena for giving necessary support to each student to succeed academically as well as socially. Her teachers encourage students from all backgrounds to engage in activities including performing arts, National Junior Honor Society, Spanish for Fluent Speakers and higher level classes.
“During every meeting, dialog and debate, she will listen, reflect and bring the group back to the purpose of the conversation, which at HMS is always, ‘What is best for students?’” said Preston.
Klena focuses on equitable access for all students into rigorous courses; during the past school year, 10 percent more black and Hispanic students were taking four honors classes. In addition, 28 pre-algebra students, mostly English language learners, were enrolled in algebra honors in ninth grade, setting them on a course for more advanced math in high school. She also works with Herndon Pyramid elementary school principals offering the Young Scholars program to open honors classes to more students from diverse backgrounds.
Klena set a course to make meeting student needs the primary focus and providing teachers with more support to accomplish this. She instituted professional conversations with staff members at quarterly Snack and Study meetings, invited teachers to take a course on “Differentiation for Diverse Learners,” and created an environment characterized by collaboration and trust that encourages innovation.