Ann McCarty (shown here with fellow assistant principal Timothy Guy) was hired to begin serving as principal at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School next year after a vote of the Falls Church City School Board on March 28.  Although McCarty joined the GM staff less than a year ago, she has obviously proven herself up to the task of replacing Dr. Rochelle Friedman, the current MEHMS principal.  Superintendent Lois Berlin described McCarty as a “firm, but fair disciplinarian [and] a clear communicator,” also praising her “leadership style [and] professional demeanor.”  Since joining the GM faculty last year, McCarty has served on a variety of School Board committees, helped oversee the instructional program, handled important administrative tasks, and frequently interacted with students, colleagues, and parents.   Over the last ten years, McCarty has also served as a middle school teacher in both Norfolk, Virginia and Columbus, Ohio, as well as a middle school principal in the latter school system.  “ […] Ms. McCarty demonstrates a strong sense of organization, familiarity with school policies and a genuine desire to make the best decisions possible for students,” commented Ken Siekman, George Mason’s director of counseling upon School Board’s announcement. (Photo by Margaret Lipman)