Hello Hartwood Families and Visitors!  

My name is Brian Raska and I am extremely honored and proud to serve this community as the Principal here at Hartwood Elementary!  Hartwood has such a rich history and tradition of excellence and is dedicated to the academic and social well-being of all of its hornets!  The staff here at HES are dedicated and committed to ensuring that each and every student, not only learns, but maximizes their potential in a learning environment that allows them to thrive.  Here at HES we have a strong emphasis on learning through the Arts, or arts integration.  You can find our staff preparing and implementing learning opportunities for students that involve portrait studies, tableaus, movement, theater, music, and much more. We recognize the importance of student academic success, but also understand that when a student learns through “experiences”, they are much more likely to retain that information and have a positive outlook on education overall.  I think you’ll notice rather quickly that our team works incredibly hard to create that environment here at HES. 

In addition to rigorous and meaningful instruction, we understand and believe that effective communication and collaboration are essential in delivering a learning environment in which students can excel.  Our staff utilizes multiple modes of communication and works diligently to keep you informed and updated on the happenings here at HES and with your child’s academic and social progress.  We are only as strong as those that support us!  We strongly 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 us at school and we’ll be more than happy to talk with you.

A little about myself…This will be my sixth year as a school administrator with Stafford County Public Schools.  I have previously 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.

Above all else, I consider my role as a school leader second only to my role of father and husband.  My wife Ashley and I reside in Fredericksburg with our three daughters, Caroline, 6, Aubrey, 4, and Mary Grace, 1.  We enjoy spending time outdoors and following our favorite sports teams!  I enjoy playing sports, running, and I am an avid fan of the Orioles, Ravens, Capitals, and UVA athletics. Go Wahoos!

I look forward to continuing to help lead our amazing staff here at HES to grow and learn and ultimately be the best instructors and role models for our young hornets so, in turn, they can be productive and positive citizens in our society!  Thank you for your partnership and support in helping us achieve this goal!  

Sincerely,

Brian Raska