Administrators’ Message

Welcome to Providence Elementary School, home of the Panthers!  We are an amazing school with many programs designed to meet the needs of all learners.  Our staff maintains a great reputation for enriching the curriculum and stretching student thinking, supporting students through appropriate challenges, working as a team to make sure we all develop our skills, and partnering with parents to create the positive culture that Providence has enjoyed for years!

As an administrative team, we are committed to ensuring that your children have a safe, positive and productive school environment.  We set high expectations, but we know that we need to have the supports in place to ensure that we all reach our goals.  We will always work to make sure our staff is well-trained in the art and science of teaching, and that the relationships between your children and their teachers are strong and positive.   We want all parents to know how much we appreciate all that you do to develop your children’s academic and social growth at home.  Your support of us makes a huge difference, and we are fortunate to work with you.

Each year brings new challenges, and 2010-2011  is no different.  Parents, as we asked last year, please take the time to always ask your child, “what did you learn today at school?”  Don’t accept “nothing” as an answer.  The conversation shows children that we care.  The information gets us on the same page.  And  your persistence with the question promotes their responsibility for their learning.  Thank you!

About Our Administrators

Principal Jesse Kraft

Mr. Kraft became the principal of Providence in 2009.  He began his educational career in FCPS in 1996 after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh.  He taught 3^rd, 4^th & 6^th grades at Newington Forest ES and was the assistant principal at Westlawn and Oak Hill ES.  He is a National Board Certified Teacher, and he earned his Master’s degree from George Mason University.  In 2010 he was recognized by FCPS with the Nancy F. Sprague Outstanding First Year Principal Award.  Mr. Kraft grew up in Philadelphia and still roots for the Eagles, Phillies and Flyers.

Assistant Principal Patti Brown
Ms. Brown became the assistant principal at Providence in 2008.  She began her career in FCPS in 1985 after graduating from Florida State University.  As a classroom teacher for sixteen years, she taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.  She was a technology resource teacher and instructional coach at Providence Elementary from 2002-2006 and was the assistant principal at Fairview Elementary from 2006-2008.  Ms. Brown earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and her K-12 Administration & Supervision endorsement from  George Mason University.  She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, shopping, and traveling as often as possible.  If you've ever been in her office, you will also see that she is a collector …. of giraffes, in particular.

Assistant Principal Roxanne Salata
Ms. Salata became the assistant principal at Providence in 2010.  She began her educational career in 1996 after graduating from Florida International University.  Ms. Salata has taught 4^th and 5^th grade mathematics and science, as well as elementary level physical education.  Ms. Salata earned her Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Florida. After learning about the world-class teaching and learning happening in Fairfax County Public Schools five years ago, Ms. Salata moved to Northern Virginia to pursue an administrative position. Ms. Salata sure does miss the beaches of South Florida, but loves working with the outstanding Fairfax County community even more!