Article Text
Four Fairfax County Public Schools assistant principals are being recognized during National Assistant Principals Week, observed April 7–11, for their work supporting students, strengthening instruction and building inclusive school communities.
Rachel Forte of Centreville Elementary School, Andrew Orenstein of Twain Middle School, Chris Powell of Carson Middle School and LaDonna Tate of Forestdale Elementary School were finalists for the 2024 FCPS Outstanding School-Based Leader award.
Rachel Forte, Centreville Elementary School
Forte’s leadership centers on instruction, equity and a supportive school culture where students and employees feel that they belong.
She spearheaded a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Support, introduced mindfulness labs and established an ongoing partnership with George Mason University to mentor future educators.
Forte also played an important role in assisting military-connected families, helping Centreville Elementary earn its first Purple Star recognition.
“Even on the hard days, I know I’ll laugh, work hard, and strive to do better. It’s inevitable with Rachel by your side,” one colleague said.
Another colleague described Forte as “someone who lights up every room she enters… an invaluable leader,” crediting her energy, inclusivity and advocacy for helping diverse voices be heard.
Andrew Orenstein, Twain Middle School
Orenstein, Twain Middle School’s assistant principal for special education, is known throughout the school as “Mr. O.” He builds connections with students and staff in settings ranging from instructional initiatives and field trips to lunch duty in the cafeteria.
“His booming voice, approachable demeanor, and growth mindset encourage his Twain community to feel included and heard,” a colleague said.
Having advanced from instructional assistant to assistant principal, Orenstein brings experience from multiple levels of school operations to his leadership. He helped Twain rebuild momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting employee morale, encouraging teacher development and mentoring students.
Twain Principal Matthew Mough called him “an excellent instructional leader, collaborator, and a dedicated Twain Tiger,” adding that Orenstein’s commitment to helping young people reach their potential makes him “an enormous asset.”
His work has also included improving individualized education program transitions with Twain’s feeder schools and encouraging students to embrace what makes them distinctive. One student now describes herself as living “big, bold, and beautiful,” echoing Orenstein’s example.
Chris Powell, Carson Middle School
Powell approaches his role at Carson Middle School with the conviction that every student should have the opportunity to succeed both academically and personally.
He has worked to align grading and reporting practices, establish employee-recognition programs and create Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. Those efforts have emphasized equity, collaboration and continuous improvement across the school.
Colleagues view Powell as both a supporter of teachers and an advocate for students. His involvement extends beyond administrative systems to home visits, field trips and department planning.
Carson Principal Gordon Stokes said Powell “speaks and acts in a clear, knowledgeable, and welcoming fashion that builds bridges with all he encounters.”
LaDonna Tate, Forestdale Elementary School
Tate has focused her work at Forestdale Elementary on ensuring that student needs remain central to school decisions. She has promoted trust, collaboration and continued growth among students and employees.
Her projects include developing a 24-page interactive reference guide for colleagues and refining intervention blocks to better address student needs. She has also emphasized professional development and created systems designed to make school operations more effective.
Teachers, students and families know Tate for her open-door policy, thoughtful encouragement and ability to create space for candid conversations and reflection. Colleagues say she makes an effort to understand people individually and responds to difficult situations with empathy and careful listening.
Tate is currently serving as interim principal, providing continuity and stability for Forestdale during its leadership transition.