Hello Hartwood Families!  I hope that you all are having a great summer so far!  I wanted to take some time to introduce myself to you all.   My name is Brian Raska and I will be your new Principal for this upcoming school year.  I have already had the opportunity to meet with some of the wonderful staff and I am eager to begin working with them and serving the students and families of this great community.

A little about myself….This will be my fifth year with Stafford County Public Schools.  I have served as the Assistant Principal at Anthony Burns Elementary and Stafford Elementary.

Before SCPS, I taught for six years in Arlington and Prince William County Schools as well as served as an Administrative Intern.  I graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, received a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia, and received my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from George Mason University.

I am an avid sports fan, especially the Orioles, Ravens, Capitals, and UVA athletics.  My wife and I reside in Fredericksburg, VA with our two daughters, Caroline, 4, and Aubrey, 1.     

I believe each and every child brings with them a unique set of skills and knowledge that we as a school must harness and use to create the most effective learning environment.  In doing so, I believe that effective communication and collaboration are essential in delivering this learning environment. Lastly, I believe in the power of building relationships with the community.  If you ever have a concern, question, or just want to chat, please feel free to contact me at school, I will be more than happy to talk with you.

I am very eager and excited to join this amazing school community and look forward to meeting you all as we begin the new school year.  It’s going to be a great year, Go Hornets!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Brian Raska