Greetings Cradlerock Families,
I couldn't be more excited to serve as your principal for the 2025-2026 school year! It is a true honor and privilege to lead this extraordinary learning community that has earned an outstanding reputation throughout HCPSS over the years, has such a proud history, and an even brighter future. You have my word that our school team will give our absolute best effort to ensure that this upcoming school year together is an outstanding one for your child and family
As principal, my responsibility is to bring our HCPSS Strategic Plan to life for our Bulldogs. As I enter my 16th year as an HCPSS administrator I fully understand and whole-heartedly embrace my responsibility to ensure the academic success and social-emotional well-being of each one of our Bulldogs. You can expect me to work collaboratively and transparently with all stakeholders to make this happen. Additionally, it is of the utmost importance to me that your child knows me, knows that I am an advocate for them, and that I am another trusted adult in their life that they can turn to for support, encouragement, or simply to connect with at any time throughout their school day. I believe that every student, regardless of their circumstance, deserves an engaging, rigorous, inclusive, and accessible learning environment where they can excel socially, emotionally, and academically.
My lens to do this work has been shaped by my professional experiences as a teacher and administrator here in Howard County over the past 26 years. I served in various teaching positions spanning grades K-5 at Stevens Forest Elementary, Bushy Park Elementary, and Longfellow Elementary. I have served as Leadership Intern at Waterloo Elementary and Assistant Principal at Longfellow Elementary and Deep Run Elementary. I had the privilege of serving as the proud principal of St. John’s Lane Elementary for five years. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Bloomsburg University, and an Advanced Certificate in Study in Instructional Leadership for Changing Populations from Notre Dame of Maryland University. I was honored to be recognized as the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals 2023-2024 Connected School Leader Award and voted 2023 Best Principal in the annual Best of Howard. I also serve as a County Representative for our Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals.
My approach to this work is profoundly shaped by the incredibly important job of being Dad to my two sons Luke (17) and Drew (14) and husband to my wife of 23 years, Laurie. I promise to make decisions on behalf of your children just as I would my own.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity and privilege to serve our school community as your principal again this school year. Please don't hesitate to connect with me at any time throughout the year at events and don't hesitate to contact me at dnotari@hcpss.org if I can be of service to your child or family in any way. I look forward to seeing you all soon and partnering with your family as we work together in partnership to ensure a simply wonderful school year here at The Rock!
Sincerely,
Dan Notari
Cradlerock Principal