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I am beginning my twelfth year as the Principal of Smart's Mill Middle School and I am still in awe of the exceptional students, parents, and professional educators that make our school an excellent place to teach and learn. Our team continues to move forward in creating an environment where ALL our students are challenged and supported each day. Additionally, we work to implement supports beyond the curriculum to ensure that we are addressing the needs of the "Whole Child." Smart's Mill has been awarded the designation of School To Watch five times! We have also been named as one of 12 schools in the nation as a School of Distinction by AMLE (Association of Middle Level Education). Our team of counselors are exceptional and have also been recognized nationally by ASCA for their work with our students. It is through the hard work of our staff and the supports we have in place for students that allows us to continually grow so that we meet the needs of the students and families.
We are truly an exceptional learning environment, but there is always room for improvement. This commitment to improvement is one of our core commitments identified in STRIDE: Self-Discipline, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Decision-Making, and Empathy. It is these commitments and the educational philosophy of E.A.R.R. (Engagement, Authenticity, Rigor, and Relationships) that guide us in everything that we do so that our students are constantly engaged and challenged, our staff is continually growing as professionals, and our parents and community know that the learning environment at Smart's is nothing short of exceptional.
The students, staff, administration, and parents are all welcome to provide input as we build upon that framework to create greater communication, greater collaboration, and greater rigor in an environment that is developmentally responsive, challenging, empowering, and equitable. I am always available via email at will.waldman@lcps.org.
My History
I came to Smart’s Mill at the mid-point of the 2010-2011 school year from Sterling Middle School where I was one an assistant principal. Before that, I was a dean at Belmont Ridge Middle School, and I started my career in Loudoun teaching at Seneca Ridge Middle School where I primarily taught Civics and History. In total, I have over twenty-six years of experience either in the classroom or as an administrator, all of which has been in middle school. I have earned degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, and originally aspired to be a lawyer or work in the criminal justice field. However, I married a teacher and she was the catalyst that started me down the road to becoming an educator. I received my Master’s Degree in Middle Level Education from James Madison University and began my teaching career immediately after graduation. While teaching, I began coursework on my second Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. I truly love being in education, and especially education at the middle school.
I have been married to my wife for 29 years, and I have two daughters. My eldest daughter is a graduate of Waynesburg University. She is currently a nurse at the hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. My youngest daughter is a junior at Radford University where she plans to enter into a career in Early Childhood Education. Our entire family is involved in volleyball either as players, coaches, or spectators. We love going to the beach, and really like roller coasters! The whole family has been fans of the Washington Capitals for years. I love to travel everywhere.
As a parent of students that attended and graduated from Loudoun County Public Schools, I know the quality of education that they receive is impressive, but it is only as good as the support my wife and I gave our children. As a parent and as a principal, I support all of my kids (both at home and at school) in their academic aspirations, social/behavioral growth, and extracurricular activities, and I wouldn't have it any other way.