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Early Childhood Educator Named New Ashlawn Principal {New Ashlaw Pincipal Judy Apostolico-Buck}

The Arlington School Board appointed Judy Apostolico-Buck as the new principal of Ashlawn Elementary School. Apostolico-Buck currently serves as the coordinator of Arlington's early childhood programs, and will assume her new responsibilities at Ashlawn on July 1.

“Judy brings a vast array of experience and expertise to Ashlawn,” said Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy. He continued, “Her extensive background in early childhood education will benefit Ashlawn students for years to come. She is a people person, a motivator and a leader, and her philosophy will match Ashlawn's Global Citizenship exemplary project.”

Education

Apostolico-Buck received a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education, special education and developmental reading from James Madison University. She earned a Master of Arts in gifted education from the University of Virginia and a Certificate of Administration and Supervision from George Mason University.

Career

Apostolico-Buck began her career in Arlington as an elementary school teacher in 1986. Since then, she has held a variety of roles with the school division including:

• Assistant coordinator, Summer Pilot Program for At-Risk, High Ability, Minority Students (1990-92)
• Itinerant Resource Teacher for the Gifted (1991-93)
• Summer Laureate Director (1993)
• Assistant Principal at Taylor Elementary School (1993-95)
• Supervisor and coordinator, Early Childhood Programs (1998-present)

Achievements

In 2006, Apostolico-Buck was appointed to Governor Tim Kaine's Start Strong Evaluation Committee. In 2002, she co-authored Virginia Building Blocks, Mathematics Standards. She was named Arlington County Jaycee's Outstanding Young Educator of the Year in 1995 and in 1992 was named Northern Virginia Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted.

Ashlawn Elementary is a neighborhood school located on 8^th Road North in Arlington. It is one of the county's smallest elementary schools, and the diverse student population reflects Arlington's changing demographics, with families from over 30 different countries and cultures. With a focus on the APS strategic plan goals and the work of the Earth Charter organization, Ashlawn's staff and parents developed its exemplary project, the “Global Citizenship Project,” provides Ashlawn students with opportunities to become individuals capable of succeeding in the world through an understanding of global issues and a commitment to local concerns.

For more information call 703-228-6004.